EDU 364/EDUG 480 students: please add your fifteen book selections, on this page, with annotations for each selection. Include your name after each annotation. The goal is for each of us to select and propose fifteen different books so that we have a wide variety of choices, but if you feel very strongly about a particular book that's already been chosen, go ahead and write about it. In terms of professional development books, think about an education book that has been especially valuable to you, e.g., a book from a class in Special Education, Elementary Education, Children's Literature or ESL/Bilingual Education. Click here for resources.
N.B. In order to avoid shipping costs, please select books that are available from Better World Books. We'll need to purchase materials for teaching visually-impaired students elsewhere; the St. Ambrose University students will deliver those.
Martin, Bill. (1992). Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? (1967). New York: Henry Holt and Company. Age 3+:; Reading level: beginner; English and Spanish translation. A story that includes rhything and repetition. Throughout each page a new animal is introduced. Each animal sees various objects and talks about what they see in a rhyming way. I recommend this book because the repetition, rhyming, and colorful illustrations. It is a great book for the beginning reader. Colleen D.
Tapahonoso, Luci. (1995). Navajo ABC. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for young Readers. Ages 4+; Reading level: beginner; English and Dine words; The author uses the letters for the alphabet as a guide into the Navajo culture. Each page has colorful illustrations of each object it describes. I recommend this book because it will teach children at this age about the Navajo culture and at the same time learn the alphabet. Colleen D.
Hurwitz, Johanna. (1993). New Shoes for Silvia. New York: William Morrow and Company. Ages 6+; Reading level: beginning; English and Spanish translation. A story about a little girl named Silvia who receives a new pair of shoes that are too big for her. She tries them on everyday. Silvia eventually becomes distanced from the shoes, but one day she tries them on and they fit. I recommend this book because of Silvia’s many adventures she has trying on the shoes and the colorful illustrations. Colleen D.
Bernier-Grand, Carmen. (2009). Diego Bigger Than Life. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Ages 11+; Reading level: beginning to advance; English. A story about the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. It is written in first person in poem form. I recommend this book because it is written in first person and the reader gets Diego’s point of view. The illustrations and various colors are so appealing. Colleen D.
Ryan, Munoz Pam. (2010). The Dreamer. New York: Scholastic Press. Ages 10+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English and Spanish. A story about a boy named Nefali Reyes. Through the use of his senses and poetry, we learn about his life. I recommend this book because the author makes the reader think differently. Also each chapter follows with pictures of clues of what will happen next. Colleen D.
Engle, Margarita. (2011). Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck. New York: Henry Holt. Ages 11+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English. A story about a boy named Quebrando whose mother is a Taino Indian and father is Spanish. The story describes his struggle of when he is on a pirate’s ship and a hurricane comes. A fisherman finds him and makes him feel welcome in his village. I recommend this historical fiction book because the author is able to express the feelings of the characters. Colleen D.
Curtis, Paul Christopher. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Random House. Ages 9+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English and Spanish. A story about a 10-year-old African American orphan named Bud. Bud is treated terribly at many different orphanages. He runs away to find his father who is a jazz musician. His father doesn’t respond well to Bud, but his father’s friends are kind to him. I recommend this book because of the great description of a lonely boy during the Depression. Colleen D.
Mora, Pat. (1992). A Birthday Basket for Tia. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. Ages 4+; Reading level: beginning. English and Spanish. A story about a girl named Cecilia. The story describes Cecilia looking for the perfect gifts for her Aunt Tia’s 90th birthday. I recommend this book because of its illustrations and the relationship between Cecilia and her Great Aunt. Colleen D.
Mora, Pat. (find copyright). Gracias-Thanks. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. Ages 4+; Reading level: beginning. English and Spanish. A story about a boy who explains everything he is thankful for in his life. A character with a different background is introduced on each page. I recommend this book because of its colorful illustrations and the author’s writing style. Colleen D.
Yep, Laurence. (1995). Hiroshima. New York: Scholastic. Ages 12+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English. This is a story about the atomic bomb. The story is told by Sachi who survived this horrible event. She travels to America for surgery and goes back to Japan to be with other survivors. I recommend this book because it describes this horrible event through Sachi. It will make students realize what happened during World War II in Japan. Colleen D.
Yoo, Paula. (2008). Good Enough. New York: Harper Collins. Ages 12+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English. This is a story about a girl named Patti. Her parents are immigrants who expect the best from their daughter. I recommend this book because students will able to see how a young girl deals with her immigrant background and family problems. Colleen D.
Seuss, Dr. (find copyright) There’s A Wocket in My Pocket. New York: Random House. Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning. English and Braille. This is a story told by a little boy about all the crazy things he sees. Different objects are in his house and are described by him. I recommend this book because of its’ rhyming and humorous learning at the same time. Colleen D.
Hoban, Lillian. (1996). Arthur’s Back to School Day. USA: Harper Collins. Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning. English and Braille. A story about a boy named Arthur. On the first day back to school, he mixes his lunch up with his sister’s. Throughout the day Arthur and the other students misbehave. The teachers and principal explain the right ways they should be acting. I recommend this book because of the illustrations and lessons students can learn. Colleen D.
Woodson, Jacqueline. (1997). We had a Picnic this Sunday. New York: Hypersion Books for Children. Ages 5+; Reading level: Beginning; English. A story about a young girl named Teeka. Her family gathers every Sunday for a picnic. The reader is introduced to each family member through Teeka. I recommend this book because of its colorful illustrations and the lessons of the value of family. Colleen D.
Silverstein, Shel. (1964). The Giving Tree. China: Evil Eye Music Inc. Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English and Spanish. This is a story about the stages of a tree and how it makes a young boy happy. It describes the relationship of the young boy through adulthood with the tree. I recommend this book because it explains great lessons of life and what one learns. It is really a great classic for all ages. Colleen D.
African American
Allen, D. (2001). Dancing in the wings. Scholastic: New York.
Age level K-2 Reading level ATOS: 3.5-This book is about a little girl who loves to dance. She is tall and has really big feet. This African American tale is about building confidence in who you are despite your differences. Melisa Ledesma
Woods, B. (2003). The red rose box. Putnam: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 4.9-This book is based on two young girls who live in segregated Louisiana in the 1950’s. It entails the difficulties of being ‘colored’ and living in this difficult era in southern part of the United States. Melisa Ledesma
Oneyefulu, O., Safarewicz, E. (1995) Chinye: A west african folk tale. Penguin Putnam: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 3.9-This is a tale of a young boy sent out into the forest by his grandmother. She sends him on a dangerous errand. On his way he discovers magical gourds. These gourds promise riches and evil. Melisa Ledesma Asian American
Kadohata, C. (2004). Kira-Kira. Atheneum: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 4.7-This book is about a Japanese-American family, in the 1950’s, who move from Iowa to Georgia. A young girl, by the name of Katie, is left to care for her older sister who has become ill. Melisa Ledesma
Jules, J. (2009). Duck for turkey day. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 2.6- This story is about a young Vietnamese girl named Tuyet. She is upset when she finds out that for Thanksgiving dinner she will be having duck, not turkey. Melisa Ledesma
Chin, O., Wood, J. (2012). The year of the dragon: Tales from the chinese zodiac. Immedium: California.
Age Level K-3 This book is about the traditions of the Chinese New Year which are integrated with the story of Dominic. Dominic’s parents have high expectations for him to become emperor. However, he has other ideas. Jewish American
Rubin, S.G. (2000). Fireflies in the dark: The story of the friedl dicker-brandeis and the children of terezin. Holiday House: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 6.2- This book is about an Art teacher, Dicker-Brandis who is sent to the Terezin concentration camp. It tells the story of overcoming, for a brief moment, the devastation around them. Melisa Ledesma
Snicket, L., Brown, L. (2007) The latke who couldn’t stop screaming: A christmas story. Mc Sweeney’s Books: San Francisco, CA.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 5.3-This story is about a potato latke who goes around screaming because the house is not decorated with Christmas decorations. He does not realize that he is a symbol of Hanukah. Melisa Ledesma Latino/Hispanic American
Bernado, A. (1996). Jumping off to freedom. Arte Publico Press: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 5.1 This story is about a 15 year old boy and his father trying to flee Cuba from Castro and his regime. The journey begins when they decide to go on a raft across the ocean and try to find Florida. Melisa Ledesma
Polette, K. (2004). Isabel and the hungry coyote. Raven Tree Press: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.1-Bilingual English and Spanish. The is a retelling of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. However, the setting is set in the desert and replaces the wolf with a hungry coyote. Melisa Ledesma
Jimenez, F. (2000). La mariposa. Houghton Mifflin: New York.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS:4.6-Bilingual English and Spanish. This story is about a young boy by the name of Francisco and the difficult time he has during his first year of school. It is an account of a child’s struggle to learn English. Melisa Ledesma Middle Eastern American Rayyan, O., Kimmel, E., A. (2010). Joha makes a wish: A middle eastern tale. Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books: New York. Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS 3.2- This is a tale about Joha and how he finds a magic stick. In finding this magic stick, Joha goes on to wish for things, but they aren’t what he exactly wishes for. Melisa Ledesma
Matze, C.S. (2002). The stars in my geddoh’s sky. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois. Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.0- This story is about Geddoh and his arrival to the United States. Upon his arrival, he shares stories with his grandson about tales of his homeland. Melisa Ledesma Native American
McCain, B. (1998). Grandmother’s dreamcatcher. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.2- This story is about a little girl who stays with her grandmother while her parents look for a house. While there, she is having bad dreams but with her grandmother’s help, she learns about the dreamcatcher. Melisa Ledesma
Bruchac, J., Bruchac, J., Aruego, J. (2003). How chipmunk got his stripes. Puffin Books: New York. Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 2.9-This is a story about two squirrels. They have a disagreement about whether the sun can be stopped from rising. Melisa Ledesma
Tafolla, Carmen and Magalay Morales. (2009). Que puedes hacer con una paleta? Tricycle Press. Ages 5-8. Spanish. This book is about a little girl who is enjoying different flavors of icecream, paletas, that are being sold in her neighborhood. It's a great little story with wonderful descriptive vocabulary and representation of Mexican culture. (Tiffany S.)
Williams, L., Lloyd, M. and Noda, Y. (1996). The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. New York: Harper Collins. Ages 5-8. Spanish (and English). Love this book for repetition and how the story builds and requires the young readers to remember previous information. It's also great for young students because of the movement that goes along with all of the different clothing items. This little old lady is walking in the woods at night alone, spooky enough. But then she hears all these weird noises and has to keep a brave face as they follow her and get louder.... This book has endless possibilities, vocabulary, games, a whole theme for October! (Tiffany S.)
Dr. Seuss. (1992). Huevos verdes, con jamon. New York, NY: Lectorum Publications. Ages 5-8. Spanish (also available in Braille for second graders on www.braillebookstore.com ). Classic Dr. Seuss with easy rhymes for first and second graders that enjoy silliness as their learning vocabulary and ryhming matches. Someone is trying to get someone else to desperately try green eggs and ham, much to the dismay of the second person. Maybe he would like it in house, with a mouse? This version is in Spanish and is still simple enough to teach the same concepts in a different language, including Braille!. (Tiffany S.)
Foglesong Guy, G. and Moreno King, R. (2007). !Fiesta!. Rayo.
Ages 3-5. English and Spanish. This book counts items in both English and Spanish. The items are things that the children are taking to a party, a fiesta! Easy to read even if you don't know how to read in Spanish. The counting and dual language is great, and there is some idea of Latino culture offered as well. (Tiffany S.)
Cronin, D. and Lewin, B. (2000). Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type. Weston, CT: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ages 3-5. English. This book is hilarious and I've never read it to a crowd that didn't crack up listening to it. The farmer's cows find an old type writer in the barn and look out, they are helping all the farm animals make demands that the farmer does not want comply with. But he has no choice because the animals go no strike. Simply fun and there is a whole series that Doreen Cronin does about the cows and ducks. (Tiffany S.)
Wilson, K. and Chapman, J. (2005). The Bear Snores On. New York: Little Simon.
Ages 3-5. English. Love this book and the ryhming is great for young children. Bear is fast asleep in his cave while little forest friends invade his space. He finally does wake up but is not the grouchy bear everyone thinks he will be. There are more stories about bear, one of my favorites for my daughter is The Bear Stays Up for Christmas. The illustrations are also beautiful and offer ideas for conversation. (Tiffany S.)
Viosrt, J. and Cruz, R. (1987). Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Ages 5+. Grades K-2. English. Poor Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair and the rest of the day is hit with catastrophes that only a child can relate to. Great book for talking about emotions and how to deal with problems/situations that upset you. Very easy to read and relatable for young elementary children. (Tiffany S.)
Sendak, M. (1988). Where the Wild Things Are. Weston, CT: Harper Trophy.
Ages 5+. Grades K-2. English. Awesome book that delves into a little boy's imagination after he sent to bed without supper. Max is king of the wild things until he finds himself missing home. Children love this book because of the idea that they too can be king of the wild things and it's fun to act wild! This book is also fun to act out and I have used it for some great ideas for thematic units. (Tiffany S.)
Shannon, D. (2002) No, David!. New York: Everest Publishing.
Ages 3-5. English or Spanish. The author is the little boy breaking all the rules in this book. His mother keeps telling him "No, David!" all throughout the book after he does things like chew with his mouth open or jump on furniture. Young children can totally relate to breaking the rules and hearing the word 'no'. They also love to join in the reading because it has predictable text, "No David!" (Tiffany S.)
Wood, D. and Wood, A. (1990) Quick as a Cricket/Veloz Como El Grillo. New York: Child's Play International.
Ages 3-5. English and Spanish. One of my favorite author/illustrator combos. This book has fun illustrations that keep a young audience entertained. The book is from a young boy's point of view and he describes how he is through use of animals and creatures. I love this book because the children can act out the different animals and after reading it they will talking about how they are as 'big as a whale' with their arms held open and saying it in their deepest voice. (Tiffany S.)
Wood, D. and Wood, A. (1990) The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. New York: Child's Play International. Ages 3-5. English but also available in Spanish. Absolutely love this book about a little mouse who is trying to pick a strawberry but the reader of the book is asking him questions about a big hungry bear. The little mouse tries everything to keep this strawberry out of the big hungry bear's paws but ultimately the reader deceives him into sharing it. Super fun and addictive, my children love it and ask me to read it everyday in class. (Tiffany S.)
Anonymous (2005) Go Ask Alice. Simon Pulse.
Ages 13+. Grade: 8th. English. This is a powerful autiobiography written by a girl who is addicted to drugs and her struggles to get off of drugs and what life is like on drugs. I read this book when I was in eighth grade and it has stuck with me. I think this kind of book is interesting (it's written in diary format) for young readers and they can relate to the teenage girl and what she is thinking while she is going through these terrible times. The ending is a shocker and leaves the reader with an uneasy feeling. (Tiffany S.)
Martin, Jr., B. (1996) Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?. New York: Henry Holt and Co.
Ages 3-5. English. An Eric Carle classic and one of my favorites. In this book Eric Carle's unique colored collages of different animals are paired with a sing-like poem where each animals 'sees' the next one on the page. Love this book because young children can identify the common animals, their colors, and make animal noises. The animal names and colors can easily be translated into Spanish for discussion. (Tiffany S.)
Tilman, N. (2010) On the Night You Were Born. Feiwel and Friends.
Ages 3-5. English. I bought this book for my daughter and fell in love with it. The illustrations are capitivating and can create great conversation. The text is like a poem celebrating the birth of the child who is reading it. It talks about nature and animals and how they 'danced' and celebrated the new child. The idea is that the child feels special and that their being here on Earth is something to celebrate. (Tiffany S.)
Martin, Jr. B. and Archambault, J. (2006) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with Audio CD. Madison, WI: Little Simon
Ages 3-5. English. This book is best paired with the CD so that teachers can sing the text throughout the book because it makes more magical for the children listening. It's written about all the letters of the alphabet that climb into the coconut tree and then it gets too heavy and they all fall out. The children are learning about their ABC's and rhyming. I have this book in my classroom and it's a favorite read along. Everyone can catch onto the 'boom boom'! (Tiffany S.)
Ryan, P. (2002). Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic.
Ages 10+ Grades 5-7 Reading Level 750L. English and some Spanish, but also available in Spanish. Esperanza had everything a girl could want from fancy dresses to a beautiful ranch home in Mexico. Do to the murder of her father; Esperanza and her Mama are forced to flee to California. They start a hard new life in a farm labor camp during the Great Depression. I recommend this book due to the lessons in live and the value of family Esperanza learns. The narration is very descriptive allowing the reader to feel the changes the young girl goes through. Megara G
Smith, R. (2007). Elephant Run. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Age10+ Grade Level: 5 and up. English. Nick is sent to his father’s teak plantation in Burma during the London Blitz in 1941only to find the war followed him there. The Japanese take over the country and the plantation. The father and son are taken as prisoner of war and separated. Nick is determined escape and rescue his father. I recommend this book because of Nick’s resolve to succeed and his need to quickly learn about other cultures, languages, and customs of other people. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1963). Hop on Pop. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 5 and up. Grade level: K and up. English. A fun romp for these kids as they go on for a Hop on Pop. Dr. Seuss’s monosyllabic rhymes are a wonderful way to increase phonic awareness. It has been my experience that the short repeated blends in Dr. Seuss's books help emerging readers to realize how to read a new word once you know a identical part of another. The art work is enjoyable for all. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1960). Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 5 and up. Grade level: K and up. English. A persistent Sam tries to get a man to eat green eggs and ham. Besides the rhyming of the story, simple linking verbs are repeated and demonstrated in Seuss’s illustrations. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1961). The Sneetches and Other Stories. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up. Grade level: 1 and up. English. The Sneetches with star bellies and without stars upon thars get swindled by Sylvester McMonkey McBean who uses prejudices to get money from the stupid Sneetches. Great illustrations whisk the reader though the folly of the Sneetches. I recommend this book not only for the reading lesson with phonic awareness but for the lesson in cultural acceptance. Megara G
Selnick, B. (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press
Grade level: 4-7 Lexile 820. This book is a masterpiece in the marriage of Illustration and the written word. A young orphan boy cares for the clocks in a Paris train station hidden. He looks to mending a automaton while stealing for survival. He meets a old toy maker and realizes that the man is hiding something about himself. This story starts out in all picture format allowing the readers minds to feel the boys life with his eyes. When the words start, the reader is so entranced they don’t want the story to end. Throughout the book, they are rewarded with more illustrations at key points in the story. I recommend this book for the wondrous history it remembers, the playful illustrations and storyline that encompass this book of over 500 pages. Megara G
Day, A. (1997). Good Dog Carl. New York: Aladdin
Preschool up to grade 3. The pet dog, Carl is put on babysitting duty when his mistress goes to the store. Carl and the baby enjoy their unsupervised time together. Carl even gives the baby a bath. Wonderful Illustrations map out the story of Carl and the baby without the hindrance of words. Readers of any ability can choose their own words to read the story allowing them to use their imaginations which is why I recommend this book. Megara G
Snicket, L. (2000). A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. London: Harper Collins
Grades 5 and up Lexile 1010. Three very resourceful children find themselves orphaned. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children are put into the hands of a distant cousin, Count Olaf. It is the Count’s plan to kill them and get their inheritance. Of course no one will believe them leaving it up to themselves to foil the Count’s plans and save the day. The vocabulary is rich in this book, and to make things even better, the narrator or one of the characters defines harder words for the reader which is why I recommend this book. Megara G
Frank, A. (1993). The Diary Of a Young Girl, Anne Frank. New York: Batam Books
Grades 6 and up. The story of Anne Frank speaks to people everywhere. During World War 2, her family was driven into hiding from Hitler’s German army for being Jewish. Throughout the horrors of war, Anne wrote about the experience of her family’s ordeal hidden with others in a small area, little food, and the need to be quite most of the day. Anne grew older and wiser than many people twice her age. Reader’s connect to this young lady, learning with her words the need for tolerance. Megara G
Keyes, D. (2004). Flowers for Algernon. New York: Harvest
Grade level 9-12, Lexile 910L. Charlie makes friends with a lab mouse named Algernon. A scientist has been given the go ahead to do the same experiment on a human subject that he had done to Algernon, making him a super smart mouse. Charlie, being mentally retarded, volunteers hoping to get smart. At first things work out as Charlie hoped, but as he got smarter, he grew unhappy realizing that people he thought were his friends were using him for their sad amusement. Charlie is then faced with the thinkable, Algernon was quickly becoming a dumb again and that his fate would be the same. I recommend this book due to the moral messages it explores and the emotions it reviles in the reader. Megara G
Burnett, H. (1998) The Secret Garden, New York: Harper Trophy
Age Level: 8 and up, Grade Level: 3 and up. Mary Lennox is sent to live with her Uncle on the Yorkshire moors when she is orphaned. She hears the strange moaning of someone at night down one of the long corridors of the mansion. I the yard of the house she meets a boy named Dickon. He seems to have a magical effect on animals. One day, Mary discovers a secret garden that appears dead do to neglect. She works to bring it back to life and does more than she dreamed. I recommend this book for its historic value. It also empowers children to make changes in there own lives. Megara G.
Dickens, C. (2001) Great Expectations. Dover: Dover Publications
Reading level: Ages 12 and up Grade Level: 7 Up. A country boy named Pip falls into a chain of events that allow him to raise his social standings. In London, he tries to be a proper gentleman bringing him into contact with the upper class and criminals. His desire to improve himself is matched only by his longing for the icy-hearted Estella, a woman raise to break the heart of all men. I with always recommend the classic’s and you can’t get more classic than Dickens. Due to the time it is written, it also has historic value. The overall message to be happy as you are is a universal theme. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1961) The Lorax.: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up Grade level: 1 and up. English. This story teaches about caring for the earth’s resources with the unordinary illustrations of Dr. Seuss and his unorthodox rhymes. The story of The Lorax can be related to by people of all ages due to its important message. Like all of Dr Seuss books, I recommend it for its rhyming to reach phonic awareness. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1990), Oh the Places You’ll Go. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up Grade level: 1 and up. English. This book I feel is aimed at an older audience. It is full of Dr. Seuss’s wit and rhyme but also full of life lessons. He warns about the pitfalls you can fall in only to pull you out triumphantly. It has become a favored graduation gift due to the advise and clever delivery of his message than as long as you don’t get stuck, you will succeed in your life, 98 ¾ guaranteed. With its message to the readers and the rhymes, blends and phonemic awareness, I recommend this book. Megara G
Baylor, B. (1995). I'm in Charge of Celebrations New York: Aladdin Picture Books
Grade level: 1-4. English. This story is about a girl who lives in the desert. While many may find the desert to be a inhospitable place, she loves the environment. She was put herself in charge of celebrations about the environment around her. Dust devils and coyote day celebrations are some of her celebrations in this story with the unique illustration style of Peter Parnall. The positive message of this story is endearing and helps the reader to look at the desert with different eyes. This is one of the reasons I recommend this book. Baylor’s prose poem style is a good vehicle for beginning readers. Megara G
Bruchac, J. (2006). Code talker: A novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two. New York, NY: Speak. Amazon: Ages 10 and up. Booklist: Grade level: 6-9. English. Recommended because it is an introduction to "another" American culture.
This begins as the sickening story about Native Americans who were abused in “Indian schools” and taught that their language and culture was vulgar and wicked. Secretly, they kept their language alive. Unbelievably, these Native American youth were willing to enlist for the United States in WWII, despite the systematic manhandling of their people over decades of U.S. history. Their “secret” language became a secret weapon against Axis forces as the Navajo language provided a code for radio communications that was never cracked. In addition to the military value of the Navajo language, the book’s character finds strength to deal with the brutality of war in the values of Navajo culture. This book shows courage and dignity even in the face of adversity and racism. Meg C.
Bunting, E. (1996). S.O.S. Titanic. Boston, MA: Graphia.
Amazon: Ages 12 and up. Grade level: 6-9. 690L. English. Recommended because it explores the idea of class and how it affects human relationships.
Eve Bunting isn’t afraid to take on challenging topics in her books for children and adolescents (an example is Smoky Night about the L.A. Riots). In S.O.S. Titanic, Eve addresses the issues of class and gender in the early 1900s. The tale of the magnificent “unsinkable” Titanic is given another wrinkle with a strange ship’s steward who claims a special link to the supernatural; this adds to the appeal for early adolescent readers. Who should get the opportunity for a lifeboat seat when there aren’t enough for all of the passengers? What happens to passengers in third class steerage? Who will live and who will die? Read S.O.S. Titanic to find out! Meg C.
Creech, S. (2002). The wanderer. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
830L. English. Newberry Honor Book. Recommended because of the universal message for adolescents struggling to become who they are.
Sophie, at 13, joins her cousins and uncles for a trip in a sailboat across the Atlantic Ocean, from Connecticut to England. The book is written in log form (appropriate for persons at sea, right?) but alternates between entries by Sophie and entries by Cody. Sophie and the rest of the crew face many weather and human interaction challenges and finally almost certain death. Gradually, readers begin to piece together Sophie’s life before her relatively recent adoption and why her adoptive parents were skeptical of her making this trip. Inside the hearts and minds of both female and male protagonists, Creech offers readers of both genders what they often seem to want during adolescence—a story about someone they recognize (as well as an adventure that is perhaps quite different from their everyday lives). Meg C.
Crowe, C. (2003). Getting away with murder. New York, NY: Dial
Booklist: Grade 7-12. 1210L. English. Recommended because it also introduces the reader to another side of American culture. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
This book, intended for students in 7th grade or older does not pull any punches in its graphic description of the case of Emmett Till. In 1954, while visiting relatives in Mississippi, Emmett supposedly whistled at a white woman, maybe to show off for his cousins and friends. A few days later, white men appeared at the family home where Emmett was staying and dragged him away from the house. Later, Emmett’s body was found floating in the Tallahatchie River. Crowe gives the readers the terrifying details of Emmett’s torture and the backlash his death caused in the civil rights movement in the U.S. Mamie Till Mobley insisted that her son’s body be laid out in open view and that photographs be taken and circulated so that the world could see what heinous racism has wrought. Emmett Till’s murder was a galvanizing factor in the already begun battle for African American civil rights. Black and white photos in the book help the reader understand why. Meg C.
Durrant, L. (2006). My last skirt: The story of Jennie Hodgers, Union soldier. Boston, MA: Clarion Books.
Booklist: Grades 5-8. 760L. English. Recommended because it challenges the reader's ideas about gender.
Perhaps you have read stories about women who shared in battle accidentally or, due to circumstances, temporarily played a man’s role in the military. This book is about an Irish girl and then immigrant to the U.S. who realizes she can make a better living as a boy and then man. While Jennie is living as a man, Albert Cashier, her male friends enlist to serve in the Civil War. Without looking wimpy, what choice does she have but to enlist as well? Jennie serves for years as a Union solder and then lives the rest of her life as a man, perhaps due to having lost the love of her life during the war or because it remained the case that she could earn a better living as a man. This book offers insight into the time period in which women’s choices were limited as well as the rigors and miseries of war and societal expectations about gender (Jennie always kept a shaving cup and razor out to keep up appearances). Meg C.
Gratz, A. (2008). Samurai shortstop. New York, NY: Speak.
School Library Journal: Grades 7 and up. 790L. English. Recommended because it is a fine introduction to Japanese culture from the turn of the century through adolescent eyes.
Boys in skirts. Women considered beautiful because their teeth are blackened and their facial skin whitened. School officials who look the other way or even condone competitive brutality and hazing at a residential school for adolescent males. What is this world? This is the world of 1890s Tokyo. A world caught between the eons of tradition represented by the emperor and the samurai and a force of change sweeping the world toward modernism. Toyo struggles to find his place in this fractured context and to understand his family members, particularly his uncle (who has committed suicide) and his father (who has not), and his own role. The frat-like behavior in the residential school and Toyo’s own development as a baseball (besuboru in Japanese) player. Toyo finds dignity and honor, similar to that of his samurai ancestors, in the strength and integrity it takes to play the game and compete for the nation. Meg C.
Johnson, A. (2010). Heaven. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
School Library Journal: Grades 6-9. 790L. English. Coretta Scott King Award.
Johnson explores what is means to be a member of a family and who really are your family members. Marley, who is 14, receives a shock when she gets information that seems to show that her parents are not, in fact, her parents. As she seeks information and tries to come to grips with her identity, a weighty job for any 14-year-old, she is doubly challenged as all of the important facts in her life seem to be lies. She is even finds out that her best friend’s family, which seems so perfect, has its own issues, revealed by her friend’s cutting habit. When things are not what they seem, what are they? Readers usually love figuring that out alongside Marley. Meg C.
L’Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Amazon: Ages 9-12. 740L. English. This is a classic in the science fiction genre. Available in Braille from American Printing House for the Blind.
This classic book is a gripping tale about a family of very bright children who have particular talents and a battle for the health of the planet and the triumph of love. Meg Murray is the main character and she is an awkward adolescent whose faults and gifts allow her to play a pivotal role in saving her father’s life. Her little brother, Charles Wallace, is a savant. Both Meg and Charles Wallace, as well as Meg’s friend Calvin, will help gifted readers accept their own gifts and find solace in the challenges of being smart and trying to live a worthy life. Meg’s parents, both scientists, also stand for the value of being an intellectual, which can be a great comfort in today’s world that seems to denigrate intellect. Meg and Charles Wallace meet a series of supernatural characters, bend time and travel through space to the planet of Camezotz, where they must battle the evil IT which embodies hate and defeat IT to save their father. Meg C.
Montgomery, L. M. (1909). Anne of Green Gables. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Amazon: Age 10 and up. 550L. English. Available in Spanish (Anne, La De Tejados Verdes). This is a classic about the inner life of a gifted girl. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
This book is an exquisite classic and introduces readers to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Prince Edward Island, off of the coast of Canada in the Atlantic Ocean. Anne is an orphan who has been misused by families who only take her from the orphanage for free labor. Finally, she thinks she has a chance for a real family but it turns out that the unmarried brother and sister who run a farm really intended to adopt a boy. They finally relent and keep Anne. She is a passionate and bright girl whose imagination both frustrates and entertains her new caregivers. Anne helps readers believe in their own intellects and value of imagination as she finds her way through many scrapes and into the hearts of her caregivers and makes a best friend, much to her delight. Meg C.
Paulsen, G. (2006). Hatchet. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
School Library Journal: Grades 8-12. 1020L. English. Available in Spanish (El haca). Newberry Honor Book. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
Gary Paulsen is a male writer truly appreciated by male readers. That is not to say that girls won’t read or enjoy Hatchet, but that reluctant male readers might finally get hooked by reading. Fortunately, Paulsen not only has more books to slake a new thirst but he is a responsive author; he wrote a sequel for Hatchet and, upon hearing from fans that they were not satisfied with the sequel, crafted an alternative sequel! Hatchet is the story of an adolescent, burdened with family conflicts and disappointments, who is being flown in a small aircraft to visit his father for a period of time. However, Brian never arrives because the pilot dies in-flight and the aircraft crashes in remote woods. Brian, who is the ultimate urban kid, has to figure out how to survive alone in the woods, with few tools except, you knew it, a hatchet. This is compelling stuff! Meg C.
Philbrick, R. (2001). Freak the mighty. New York, NY: Scholastic.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 1000L. English. Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor. New York Charlotte Award. Recommended because of its sensitive view of disabilities.
Rodman Philbrick is a wonderful writer, especially for reluctant boy readers. Even those who hate to read find themselves lured in by the two main characters of this book. Max, a large boy who has learning disabilities and a troubled past with a dead mother and jailed father (readers find out that his father killed his mother), lives with his grandparents (he calls them Gram and Grim) who aren’t quite sure what to do with him. Kevin, called a freak because of his small stature and big vocabulary, lives with his mother and has Morquio Syndrome. Having spent a short time together in preschool, Kevin and Max are reunited and become fast friends and the incomparable duo of Freak the Mighty. They face significant challenges, including Max’s kidnapping by his escaped convict father and Kevin’s worsening physical condition with good humor and bravery. The sequel, Max the Mighty, is also terrific. Students with disabilities will identify with the characters. Meg C.
Robinet, H. G. (2002). Walking to the bus rider blues. New York, NY: Aladdin.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 550L. English. Jane Addams Award Honor Book. Recommended because of its illumination American history through adolescent eyes.
Harriett Gillem Robinet is an African-American grandmother who lives in Oak Park, IL. She writes for children in grades 4-6 and her best books are historical fiction. Interestingly, she also adds a mystery twist to these historical fictions. This book focuses on Alfa who is African American and who lives with his sister, Zinnia, and his great-grandmother, Big Mama. The reader doesn’t find out all of the information about why these two children live not with their mother, not even with their grandmother, but with their great-grandmother but it is clear that they have faced real hardships. Hardships continue not just in the fact that young Alfa has to work but that some of the customers at the grocers don’t disguise their disdain and even disgust with his race. Big Mama faces many indignities as a cleaning woman for white homeowners. Now, six months after Rosa Parks sparked a revolt, all of the black residents in Montgomery, AL, are boycotting the bus system. This adds even more to their burdens, making travel more time-consuming and exhausting. Despite these challenges—and more (poverty, theft from their shack home)—Alfa does his best to keep his principles and help his sister and Big Mama. Meg C.
Scieszka, J. (2004). Knights of the kitchen table. New York, NY: Puffin.
Kirkus Reviews: Ages 8-12. 630L. English. New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award. Recommended because it is a great book for reluctant boy readers.
Jon Scieszka is a hilarious writer and he brings his madcap humor to the series of books about the Time Warp Trio, three friends who find adventure by opening a special book that allows them to travel through time and without which they cannot return. In this entry of the series, as you may have guessed, Sam, Joe, and Fred visit the time of Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. All of the books in this series consist of 10 chapters and are somewhat predictable in story line. They are also written at a lower grade level than some of the other books recommended in this bibliography. This can be an asset to below-grade-level readers who still don’t want to read “baby” books. Scieszka’s humor and the brave and loyal camaraderie of these resourceful boys will appeal to struggling readers and they will gain historical background information about this time period of world history. Meg C.
Speare, E. G. (2011). Witch of Blackbird Pond. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 850L. English. Newberry Medal. Recommended because it, too, highlights subsets of American historical culture, in this case, Quakerism. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
Imagine a time when being Christian wasn’t enough for other Christians. Failing to subscribe to the majority ideal of which Christian church was a reason for persecution by people who had left their European homelands to escape the persecution that they themselves had experienced there. In this story, which takes place in the time of the Salem witch hunts, Hannah is a Quaker and that is very suspicious and unacceptable to her neighbors. She cannot live in the town and is relegated to the outskirts. Into this setting comes Kit, a free-spirit who was raised in the colorful, tropical, leisurely life of the Barbados with an intellectual and indulgent grandfather. When Kit’s grandfather dies, she must join family members she has never met in the grim, colorless, humorless life of constant work of early New England settlers. Kit is often in trouble with the expectations of the community and finds a friend in the quiet pacifist Hannah. The young woman and the older woman face crises in this story, each finding a different kind of freedom by the end of the book. Meg C.
Taylor, C. (1992). The house that crack built. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
School Library Journal: Age 5 and up. (I disagree! Much more sophisticated content. I say Age 9 and up.) English. Recommended because it is a genre-bender and connects South and Latin America to North America.
This disarmingly deceiving “picture book” uses surreal art as part of its message, distorting the familiar children’s rhyme about the House That Jack Built. The poem is used to tell the story of farmers that work in the heat to grow a crop that people can’t eat and how it ends up in the hands of gangs that are fleet and elite and drives even young mothers to ignore their babies in favor of crack. This book is a genre bender with its lilting rhyme but serious message about deadly drug use and distribution. Middle school children like the straight shooting narrative. Librarians classify the books in a variety of ways. I have seen the book in juvenile nonfiction, juvenile fiction, and young adult sections of various libraries. Meg C.
Obregon, J.M. (2008). Ronaldinho. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the Brazillian soccer star Ronaldinho.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English,Spanish ( Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2008). Cristiano Ronaldo. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Book Level: 2.8
Language: English, Spanish ( Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2008). David Beckham. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the English soccer star David Beckham.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English,Spanish (Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dellepiane, A. & Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry Potter and the sorcercer’s stone / Harry Potter y la piedra filosofol. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Emece Publications.
Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.
Book level: 6.6
Pages: 254 pages
(Angelo Annoreno)
Sinon, S. (2007). Planets Around the Sun / Planetas Alrededor Del Sol. San Fransisco, California: Chronical Books.
Vivid pictures and interesting facts define this easy-reader survey. Each spread gives a brief physical description of a planet (the moon and asteroids are covered as well) and provides an interesting piece of trivia pertaining to it. Colorful close-up photographs of the planets are superb; brief accessible text.
Book Level K - 3.3
Language: Spanish
(Angelo Annoreno)
Bruzzone, C. (2000). Puppy Finds a Friend / Le Petit Chien Se Trouve Un Ami.Hauppauge. California: Barron's Educational Series. Color-illustrated picture books entertain with funny stories while they teach children the fundamentals of French. On each page, the story is in French and English.
Reading level: Ages Pre K and up
Language: English / French (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Gonzalez, L. (2009). The Bossy Gallito / El Gallo De Bodas. New York, NY: Scholastic Publications.
This is a bilingual rendition. A cocky little rooster sets out to attend the wedding of his uncle, but dirties his beak on the path. He asks in turn for help, from the grass, a goat, a stick, a fire, and the water, until he finally thinks of asking the Sun, who aids him in reward for his daily morning wake-up crowing. The pictures are as bright and sassy.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: Spanish English (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Lomba, A. (2005). Little Red Riding Hood / Le Petit Chaperon Rouge. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Publications.
This book presents the classic fairy tale side-by-side in French and English. The story of the little girl and the big bad wolf is vibrantly illustrated, allowing children to connect the meanings of words to pictures, reinforcing their comprehension of French vocabulary.
It presents an engaging reading of Little Red Riding Hood in both English and French that will entertain kids while they hear correct French pronunciation. You can read along with the narration or learn along with your kids!
Language: English /French (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
White, E.B. (1997). Le Toile de Charlotte/Charlotte’s Web. Paris, France: Neuf en poche: l'ecole des loisirs,
E. B. White tells the memorable story of Wilbur, a little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever friend Charlotte and their chatty animal neighbors. As the runt of the litter, Wilbur struggles to survive from the very beginning.
Lessons of friendship, loyalty, and truth bind this story together and show readers that friends come in all shapes and sizes.
Illustrations by the artist bring to life these lovable characters.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: French
( Angelo Annoreno)
Silverstein, S. (1995) L'Arbre Genereux / The Giving Tree. Paris, France: Ecole des Loisirs
Reading level: 2.7
Language: French
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dahl, R. (2007). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Charlie Et La Chocolaterie. New York, NY: Contemporary French Fiction Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a singular delight, crammed with mad fantasy.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: French
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2009). Lionel Messi. New York, NY: Powerkids Press
A biography of the Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English , Spanish (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Kinney, J. (2008). Diario de Greg / Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Spanish Edition). Lyndhurst NJ: Lectorum Publications
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: Spanish
(Angelo Annoreno)
Suess, Dr. (1967). El gato en el sombrero / The Cat In The Hat. New York, NY: Random House Books for Young Readers.
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Language: English/Spanish (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
C.L. Garza (2005). Family Pictures / Cuadros de Familia. Children's Book Press.
Family Pictures is the story of The author's girlhood background: celebrating birthdays, making tamales, finding a hammerhead shark on the beach, picking cactus, going to a fair in Mexico, and confiding to her sister her dreams of becoming an artist, Traditional Mexican American culture. Vivid illustrations reflect the author's strong sense of family and community.
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Language: Spanish / English (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dorros, A. (1997). Abuela, New York, NY: Puffin Publications. Age level: 5+; English with Spanish Phrases. Students that believe in fantasy and imagination will love to read about this young girl’s adventure in the sky. This story is loved by all children as they learn Spanish phrases during the story. I love the theme of family because most children can relate to having outings with their grandparents. (Letitia S.)
Soto, G. (1996). Too Many Tamales New York: Puffin. Age level: 4-6; Great book that helps introduce family traditions and holidays in a fun way. Students like the story and appreciate the fun plot. Teachers like it because they can use it to teach comprehension skills such as plot and theme as well as prediction. (Letitia S.)
Soto, G. (2002). Fearless Fernie New York: Putnam Juvenile. Age Level: 10+ Middle schoolers will love reading about their experiences in poetry form. With many kids laughing and reading with Diary of Wimpy Kid, Mr Soto’s book should sit right next to it on the shelf. These poems will help the reluctant reader join in the ‘preteen’ discussion. I love that poems have interesting topics as well as nonthreatening flow for reluctant readers. (Letitia S.)
Kuklin, S. (1998). How My Family Lives in America. New York: Aladdin Books. Age Level: 4-7; When students are from other cultures and areas they sometimes feel like an outsider, but this book shows that their differences are to be celebrated not hidden. The photographs will help the ELL students with oral language skills as many discussions can occur during and after reading this book. Main theme: acceptance. (Letitia S.) Joseph, L. (200). Color of My Words. Age Level: 12+ Do you love the power of words as I do? Then follow twelve year old Ana Rosa is a writer growing up in the Dominican Republic when words were feared. Rosa spends much of the story writing her family experiences and all the political turmoil and family struggles. This is an interesting book and reads like poetry instead of narrative. This book uses some Spanish words and quotations so that it is an easy book to use with different levels of EL students. (Letitia S.)
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. (1984) Age Level: 13+ My niece read this in class and I enjoyed the dinner conversations that followed. This book is teen approved. It’s a group of poetic vignettes that capture the story of Esperanza and her siblings who live in poverty in a Hispanic Chicago neighborhood. A classic book about Latinos in the U.S., and one whose lyrical language and accessible experiences will draw in middle school and high school readers. (Letitia S.)
Hoberman, M. (2001). You Read to Me I Read to You. New York: Cahners Business Information, Inc. Age level: 7-8; Reading Level: Emergent readers; English and some Spanish. This book is a delightful way for kids and adults alike to enjoy rhythm, rhyme and poetry. Hoberman uses short stories and cute illustrations to have readers interact with each other in a fun way. Each stanza is written in different colors so that readers can enjoy two voices to points of views that make reading fun. I recommend this book for its simple vocabulary and repetition. It’s been known to draw in even the most reluctant reader until they are hooked! (Letitia S.)
Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books. Age level: 5+; Reading Level: Beginner; English and Spanish. Students are thrilled to see a book come to life. It is wordless book so it lends itself to kids on all reading levels. The illustrations show the mystery and fun that develop in the plot of the book. Students will have fun finding the contextual clues while ‘coauthoring’ the book with their own words. Teachers and parents alike love watching the plot unravel. Very entertaining. (Letitia, S.)
Ada, Alma Flor.(2002) I Love Saturdays and Domingos. Age Level: Gr. Pre-3 On Saturdays, the young narrator visits her Grandma and Grandpa. On domingos, or Sundays, she visits Abuelito y Abuelita. The story shows the differences between the sets of grandparents—but highlights the continuity of the love that is shared. A final spread shows her whole family coming together—including grandparents, parents, and cousins, to celebrate the narrator’s birthday. The text does a nice job of portraying the two cultures—Spanish vocabulary is especially well-integrated--and this will appeal to children who are from bicultural backgrounds, or who love spending time with their grandparents. Bouncy, energetic watercolor spot illustrations in bright colors bring the text to life. (Letitia S.)
Coppola, J. (2009). One Classroom Many Learners: Best Literacy Practices for Today’s Multilingual Classrooms. All ELL Teachers Awesome reading and sound research for the EL teachers. The resources range from the primary teacher to the high school teacher. It reads from the eyes of the advocate and educator of the EL student. Nice read and very informative. (Letitia S.)
Lane, K. (2007). Come Look At Me. All Ages. Charlesbridge: New York. All Ages
“Interactive Beauty” is the best way to describe this book. Students are able to use their strong visual skills and background knowledge to explore art. Their imagination will run wild as they use art from the Latin culture. Teachers will love the dialogue that this book will inspire. There are also questions that help to guide that dialogue. (Letitia S.)
Lilly, M. (1999). Song of the Sun. Rourke: New York. Age: 12+
Art meets literature. Students will now be able to read the tales and myths in English class with another view. This book helps EL students see stories told of their cultures. Teachers can help to guide student’s critical comprehension skills in a fun way. Nice way to compare and contrast text.
(Letitia S.)
Krull, K. (2003). Harvesting Hope. Harcourt: New York Age: 10+
Well many students have heard of Martin Luther King Jr. it’s great to see a wonderful book of Cesar Chavez. This book has nice illustrations to help the EL learner better grasp the rich social studies concepts and vocabulary that the author uses. Nice read aloud for the middle school teacher.
(Letitia S.)
Sonia Sotomayer: A Judge Grows in the Bronx. (2009). Atheneum: New York Age: Grades K-3
I was sold after seeing the illustrations. I will be using this book for Women's History Month. This book gets praise for English and Spanish translations and themes such as family, pride and perseverance-- all character traits that make exceptional reading. As the Common Core Standards bring more nonfiction to the American classrooms, EL students can use books such as this one with illustrations and captions, to help them to better digest literary concepts while using a story of a phenomenal person with an inspirational story. (Letitia S.)
Montes,M. (2001). A Crazy Mixed Up Spanglish Day Scholastic: New York Grades 3rd -5th
Maritza Gabriela Morales Mercado (Gabi for short) has big problemas. Her worst enemy, Johnny Wiley, is driving her crazy. He makes fun of her name. I thought of this being a great compliment to Kevin Henkis Crysanthamum. Students are often teased for the way that they speak this will open the doors for conversations about that social issue. (Letitia, S.)
Seedlings.org has 12/15 of my books available in Braille. I have included the item number for their website if this is an option: (K Seguin)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Judith Viorst, item 8524. Anything that can go bad in a day happens, but it will put a smile on anyone's face. (K Seguin)
Polar Express. Chris Van Allsburg, item 317. Magical train ride to the North Pole and a classic that is one of my favorites to dream along with. (K Seuin)
Goodnight Moon. Margaret Wise Brown, item 836. My absolute favorite book that has repetition, basic pictures with a hidden mouse and a good timeless book. (K Seguin)
Butterfly Kisses. Sandra Magsamen, item 9803. Cute, rhyming, feel-good story with a finger puppet. (K Seguin)
That's Not My Puppy. Fiona Watt, item 9812. Find the right matching puppy- good for picture recognition and conversation. (K Seguin)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Matin, item 807. Great for learning animal names and color words. (K Seguin)
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed. Eileen Christelow, item 890. Lean ow to count and it is a fun song to sing. (K Seguin)
The Very Hungry Caerpillar. Eric Cale, item 893. Learn days of the week, how to count, food names and how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. (K Seguin)
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Judi Barrett, item 343. Funny story about raining food- students can talk about their favorite food and the food in the story, which includes the main food we eat in the US. (K Seguin)
Frog and Toad are Friends. Arnold Lovel, item 302. Accepting differences in friends. (K Seguin)
Where The Sidewalk Ends. Shel Silverstein, item 262. Funny poems that inspire the imagination. (K Seguin)
The Cat in The Hat. Dr. Seuss, item 8530. Imaginary and incredible events. (K Seguin)
Green Eggs and Ham. Dr. Seuss, item 8531. Message: do not be afraid to try new things and things are not always as they seem. (K Seguin)
Great resources: (K Seguin)
An Introduction to Braille Mathematics. Helen Roberts, isbn 0844401900. Based on Nemeth Code for Math and Science. (K Seguin)
Braille for The Sighted. S Harold Collins, Kifer and Schneider, isbn 0931993954. (K Seguin)
Instructional Strategiesfor Braille Literacy. Diane P Wormsley and Frances D'Andrea, isbn 0891289364. Creative strategies and methods for teaching Braille. (K Seguin)
(All Aboard Poetry Reader) Grasshopper Pie and other Poems-
Steinburg, D. & Illustrated Sinnott, A. (2004). All aboard poetry reader: Grasshopperpieandotherpoems. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap
These great funny short poems are a good way to get young readers laughing. These poems are also a good way to teach rhymes and word families. I have read these poems aloud for my students while reviewing rhyming words. We also changed some of the beginning sounds on some of the rhyming words to review beginning sounds. Stories are really fun and enjoyable.
Tracy Harper #1
Goldilocks and the Three Hares-
Petach, H. (1995). Goldilocks and the three hares. New York, NY: Putnam & Grosset.
We know of the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears but this version gives another take on the story. There are some similarties but also some humorous differences as well. It's great for teaching comparing and contrasting. Students love to discuss how the bears and hares are alike and different. It's a good idea to get a copy of the original story before this one is introduced.
Tracy Harper #2
Testing Miss Malarkey-
Finchler, J & Illustrated by: O'Malley, K. (2003). TestingmissMalarkey. New York, NY: Walker Books for Young Readers
Standardized test can make everyone in the school crazy, at least that's what this story says. In this story students prepare for the "I.P.T.U" test and everyone is involved. The cafertia lady is serving brain food, the art teacher is showing how to feel in bubbles for the test and the gym teacher is teaching "yogurt"? The whole time Miss Malarkey is stressing out. My third graders loved and really related to this story. Most teachers read this story to their class as a way to unwind and calm down before the I.S.A.T. I think it 's good for staff and students to know their not alone in this situation.
Tracy Harper #3
Cool Dog, School Dog-
Heiligman, D. & Illustrated by Bowers, T. (2009). Cooldog, schooldog. New York, NY: Marshall Cavendish Children Book
This is a rhyming story that tells how a dog got a chance to go to school and how he helps students now that he's there. A Very cute story and a great read-aloud. I mainly read this to my younger students but older kids enjoy it as well. It is a good book for students to learn and recognize rhymes.
Tracy Harper #4
Tar Beach-
Ringgold, F. (1996). Tarbeach. New York, NY: Dragonfiy; Dragonfly Books ED. Education
Tar Beach is all about Cassie Louis Lightfoot, a third grader who can fly. As the story takes you through her dreams or wishes for her family she flies over the Wasington Bridge that her father help to build. This story is very enchanting. It is a great story to help students learn to use their imagination and visualize. The illustrations are also very beautiful.
Tracy Harper #5
Shout! Little Poems that Roar
Bagert, B. & Illustrated by Yoshikawa, S. (2007). Shout! littlepoemsthatroar. New York, NY: Dail
Poems are a great way to teach word families and you can take your pick of poems when using this book. Teddy Bear is a story about a dad, The Spice of LIfe another poem is mainly about ketchup and my favorite is Big Fat Hen which teaches counting. I have learned that kids will read things that are funny to them and these stories are a great way to get young readers reading.
Trach Harper #6
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From The Underground Railroad
Levine, E., & Nelson, K. (2007). Henry'sfreedombox: Atruestoryoftheundergroundrailroad. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
This is the story of Henry Brown who was born in slavery but escaped to freedom. Henry who was stripped of his parents as a boy and later stripped of his wife and children. As an adult he seeks freedom by mailing himself in a wooden box. This is a good story for teaching kids the harsh reality that was slavery. I also have this book on DVD and this is one of the stories we talk about during Black History Month.
Tracy Harper #7
The Great Kapok Tree-
Cherry, L. (2000). Thegreatkapoktree. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
This is the story of a man who is tried from cutting down trees and decides to rest in the rainforest. While sleeping different animals come to him and beg him not to cut down the tree and explain it's importance. This is wonderful story for teaching the importance of saving the rainforest and also for discussing different animals that live in the rainforest. My studentsin the past have enjoyed this story and are usually asking what they can do to save the rain forest after the book has been read.
Tracy Harper #8
How I Spent My Summer Vacation-
Teague, M. (1998). HowIspentmysummervacation. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books
In this story while every other kid was fishing with dad or playing video games Wallace Bleff spends his in the wild wild west, or so he tells it. This is the first story in our reader when we come back from summer vacation and it always gets big laughs and starts kids to talking about their own summer vacations. After this story students usually write a report about their own summer vacation. Teacher sometimes also talk a little about their summer vacations to get students talking.
Tracy Harper #9
Dancing In The Wings-
Allen, D. (2000). Dancinginthewings. New York, NY: Dail Books
One of my Personal Favorites. This is the story of a girl named Sassy. Sassy is taller than the rest of the girls in her ballet class and treated differently because of it. But, when a famous director comes looking for talent she proves that she has what it takes and uses her size to her advantage. Wonderful for teaching differences and being proud of who you are. This story also gives young readers a chance to think about the arts and extra activities that they might be interested in.
Tracy Harper #10
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs-
Barrett, J., & Barrett, R. (1982). Cloudywitha chanceofmeatballs. New York, NY: Aladdin
This was another story that we use to have in our reading series and I believed that we taught realism and fantasy along with this story. In this tale food falls from the sky. Which of course sounds good at first but quicky turns messy and dangerous. A lot of teachers usually tie this into a writing assignment and have the students write about what they would like to have fall form the sky.
Tracy Harper #11
Snowmen at Night-
Buehner, C., & Buehner, M. (2002). Snowmenatnight. New York, NY: Dail
On the New York Times best seller list. I've read this story many times and I just found that out. However, l love the story and it makes perfect sense that it is on a best seller list. It ask the question, what do snowmen do at night? According to this story they do a lot. This is a rhyming story that explores imaginary snowmen. This book is filled with great pictures that young students in my classes have loved. A great story for teaching rhymes and realism and fantasy.
Tracy Harper #12
Martin's Big Words-
Rappaport, D., & Collier, B. (2001). Martin'sbigwords. New York, NY: Jump At The Sun
A great way to introduce young readers to the life of the great civil rights leader. This story has terrific pictures and takes the reader on a journey through his life. A great story to read during the King holiday, Black History Month or anytime of year. This story is great for teaching nonviolence, fairness and compassion.
Tracy Harper #13
"Giggle Fit" Silly Knock- Knocks-
Illustrated by Harpster, S., & Rosenbloom, J. (2002). Gigglefit: Sillyknock- knock. New York, NY: Sterling
From A-Z there are tons of funny knock-knock jokes. They are easy to read and understand. My students love this book. A lot of students who still don't yet like to read will read this book after a read aloud. They like to use the jokes on others. It's an easy fun read for young readers.
Tracy Harper #14
Lola at the Library-
McQuinn, A. & Beardshaw, R. (2006). Lolaatthelibrary. New York, NY: Charlesbridge Publishing
In this selection lola loaves Tuesday's because she gets to go to the library. She gets to check books out and listen to a story while she's there also. I have read this story to show my students the importance of visiting their community library with their parents. This story is good for showing students the process for checking out books at their local library.
Tracy Harper #15
In a Dark, Dark Room-
Schwartz, A., & Illustrator Zimmer, D.(1985). Inadark, darkroom. New York, NY: Harper Trophy
These stories are a favorite with students. For students who like spooky stories this book has great tales. This is one that I'm asked to read more than any other book. One of the teacher's who just retired read it to me when I was her student and it quickly become one of my favorites when I was a student at the school too. Great for kids who like Goose Bumps and mysteries.
Tracy Harper #16
Montes. M. (2003). A Crazy, Mixed Up Spanglish Day 96 Pages, Ages 7+ This particular book/series involves a native Spanish speaker who goes to an English school and goes by two different names, 1 at home, 1 at school. This parallels the differences that students go through from one environment to another. The book uses a mix of Spanish and English, and illustrates the problems some EL students have communicating, even when being in the environment for a while. The girl, Gabi, gets so upset with a student that she keeps getting her Spanish and English mixed up and cant talk with her enemy/group partner. (Nickolas Gutierrez 1)
Barrett, J. (1978). Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 32 Pages This book, besides from being a personal childhood favorite, is a very interesting and creative story. It involves many puns, which require knowledge of the language to get. It’s a fantasy tale that is perhaps just a little too young for the students, but it is a story that bridges such gaps very easily. (Nickolas Gutierrez 2)
Rowling, JK. (1999). Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone Available in Braille and many languages Around 320 Pages, Ages 9+ This book, besides from being a worldwide phenomenon and immensely popular, has been translated to 68 languages. The first book is a great stepping stone to a set of books that is quite advanced, yet remains simple enough in language to not lose younger readers. This recommendation also includes the entire series of books. It has won countless awards, and is known throughout the world. (Nickolas Gutierrez 3)
Juster, N. (1961). The Phantom Tollbooth Available in Braille and French 272 pages, Ages 10+ This book could be described as a simpler Alice in Wonderland. It has all of the fanciful ideas of the classic, but puts it in a more modern setting with a definite lean towards school. This can be seen the character Mathemagician, as well as the “Which” witch. This Which character uses a pun that explores the often confusing homophone. It is funny, engaging and links to language and math skills. (Nickolas Gutierrez 4)
Banks, L. (1982). The Indian in the Cupboard Available in Braille 240 Pages, ages 9+ This book reflects the independence that many kids feel around this age. The main character Omri fends for himself largely, and has adventures with toys that are brought to life by his magic medicine cabinet. Honestly, this book does have a fair amount of stereotypes, but is also seeks to break them. (Nickolas Gutierrez 5)
Clements, A. (1998) Frindle 112 Pages, Ages 8+ This book explores how a word is created. The main character, in an act of passive aggression towards a mean English teacher, creates a new word for pen, “frindle” and outright refuses to call it anything else. He did this in an act of creativity because of an assignment given. Eventually the word frindle catches on to the rest of the students, to the point where stores changed the signs to say frindle, and eventually in college finds out that the word had been added to the dictionary. This book shows language development, independence and that even a kids actions matter in the world. (Nickolas Gutierrez 6)
Riordan, R. (2006). Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1, The Lightning Thief Available in Braille and many languages 400 pages, Ages 10+ This book revolves around Greek mythology to tell a story of a typical tweenager who finds out he is a demi-god, a half human, half god. He is the son of Poseidon and is one of the most powerful demigods alive. Action pacted, piggy-backing off of the success of Harry Potter, still tells an interesting story interweaving greek myths and modern settings. The characters are very diverse and tell the story of the quest that all people go through, the quest for personal identity. (Nickolas Gutierrez 7)
Dahl, R. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Available in Braille and many languages 176 pages, Ages 7+ An absolute classic. Not sure if I really need to say more. An intriguing tale of a boy with nothing, though kindness of heart and purity eventually acquires everything he ever wanted for him and his family. (Nickolas Gutierrez 8)
Jacques, B. (1986) Redwall Available in Braille and many languages 352 Pages, Ages 8+ This is the first book of a rather extensive fantasy series involving small animals, mostly rodents in a setting mirroring mideval Europe. The young awkward mouse Matthias must save Redwall Abbey from the evil Cluny, a rat. It has all the characteristics of an epic fantasy delivered in language that is appropriate for kids. It has a diverse cast of characters, with badgers, squirrels, mice, rates, voles, ferrets, birds cats and dogs. It discusses equality among the species, as well as some serious topics such as war and death, while still remaining as light hearted as possible. (Nickolas Gutierrez 9)
Coville, B. My Teacher is an Alien 128 pages This book is just a silly tale where students find out that their teachers are aliens that are learning about them while teaching. Honestly nothing too deep here, but still quite entertaining and a quick read. (Nickolas Gutierrez 10)
Card, OS. (1985) Ender’s Game Available in many languages 352 Pages, Ages 12+ This is among my absolute favorite books of all time. I have honestly read it at least 16 times from 6th grade to a few months ago. It is a little advanced for some students, but it still is an amazing story where kids are trained to fight aliens by batting each other in games and training for combat with video games. It starts out with a very intelligent 6 year old who is picked on at school, but is eventually drafted into Battle School. This book does involve death, but is fairly dark, but for the right kid it is absolutely perfect, a great bridge to more advanced Science Fictions series as they grow older. (Nickolas Gutierrez 11)
Paolini, C. (2003). Eragon 528 Pages, Ages 12+ Available in many languages Again, this book may be a little advanced for some, but advanced readers interested in fantasy will feel right at home. This book was actually written by a student in high school, and the language reflects this. It is a tale with dragons and magic, and talks about the importance of words “All words are magic, but magic requires words”. It deals with people trying to communicate with others in different languages, and has all of the basic fantasy trappings. (Nickolas Gutierrez 12)
Carroll, L. (1865). Alice in Wonderland Available in Braille and many languages 100 pages, ages 10+ Classic. Don’t need to say anything else. (Nickolas Gutierrez 13)
Seskin, S. (2002). Don’t Laugh at Me 32 Pages, ages 6+ A short little book with great artwork celebrating the differences between individuals, including having glasses and speaking with an accent. A great, short beginners book. (Nickolas Gutierrez 14)
Gaiman, N. (2010). The Graveyard Book 336 pages, ages 10+ This book is a little dark. Its about a kid who lives in a graveyard, raised by ghosts. The title and the rest of the story is a play off of “The Jungle Book”, in so much as a child is being raised by things that would normally not raise the, or in this case, even exist. It starts out with gruesome scene where the main characters parents are murdered, but the 18-month baby escapes to a graveyard and is adopted by ghosts. The ghosts are quirky and funny, and the tone of the book after the gruesome opener stays more in a kid friendly range. (Nickolas Gutierrez 15)
Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Amulet Books.
226 pages, ages 8-13, English. This mimics the life of an average, awkward high school student. The book is written in diary form and includes images and the narrator's handwriting and personal vignettes. The story includes typical adolescent experiences in typical adolescent language. Most young readers can relate to any of the narrator's trials and tribulations, which makes it an enjoyable read for all. (Krieger 1)
Munsch, R. & McGraw, S. (1995). Love You Forever. Ontario: Firefly Books Ltd.
32 pages, ages 1 and up, English. This book is for young readers. It is repetitive so it can be helpful for readers just learning English. It can also be a nice book to share with a family because it touches on unconditional love of a child by a parent. (Krieger 2)
Burgess, T.W. & Cady, H.(1998). The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad. Bennington: Flying Chipmunk Publishing.
32 pages, ages 8 and up. This book is one in a series of classic children’s books about Mr. Toad and his friends. Mr. Toad learns lessons about nature and the environment and descriptive pictures accompany the text. The images along with the easier words make this a great read for young readers. (Krieger 3)
Edne, M. (1993). The Neverending Story. New York: Puffin.
448 pages, ages 10 and up, English. This book is interesting because it combines real life with science fiction, adventure, and fantasy. A young boy named Bastian becomes immersed in the world of the book he is reading. Not only does the book encourage reading, it is exciting and fast paced. There is an accompanying movie that students could watch as they read the novel. (Krieger 4)
Lois, Lowry (1993). The Giver. New York: Random House Inc.
208 pages, ages 12 and up, English. Jonas lives in a utopian society. He selected by the Giver for special training, during which he learns that not everything is as it seems. While this book may seem too deep for young readers, if taught correctly it can be paralleled to student’s lives. (Krieger 5)
Kogawa, J. (1983). Obasan. New York: Anchor Books.
250 pages, English. The author recounts her experience as a Japanese-Canadian during World War II after Pearl Harbor. The hardships she went through mirrors those of Japanese-Americans who were interned after Japan attacked America in 1941. This would be an excellent read for older ESL students because they can tie their previously learned history information to the narrative. (Krieger 6)
Lee, H. (1988). To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Grand Central Publishing.
281 pages, 12 and up, English. A timeless classic, TKAM tells the story of a white family in the South struggling to decide whether to fight for justice in a racist society. This is an excellent book to read individually or in a classroom setting. Young minority students can relate and see the parallels in their lives. (Krieger 7)
Dahl, R. (1970). Fantastic Mr. Fox. New York: Puffin.
81 pages, all ages, English. This story tells about the fantastic Mr. Fox, who outsmarts and outwits three unlikeable farmers. It is a tale of loyalty, good versus evil, family, and community. The images and accompanying Hollywood movie makes this an excellent choice for young and old readers alike. (Krieger 8)
Dahl, R. (1982). BFG. New York: Puffin.
207 pages, ages 7 and up, English. Roald Dahl was one of my favorite authors growing up. He writes in a way that is understandable to young readers and the illustrations help illuminate the most important imagery throughout the novel. This book is about an adventurous girl named Sophie who happens upon a Big Friendly Giant. (Krieger 9)
Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York: Amistad Press.
288 pages, ages 13 and up, English. Monster is a story about a teenager named Steve Harmon who is on trial for murder after he got caught up with the wrong crowd. It is written like a journal and includes grammatical and spelling errors, as well as Steve’s inner thoughts. I read this with a group of sophomores and they enjoyed it because they could relate. I think the language and prose of the story make it a good read for young adults. Steve is a good kid who got caught in the middle of something bad, not unlike many of our students. (Krieger 10)
Gingrich, C. (2011). Sweet Land of Liberty. Washington D.C.: Regnery Publishing Inc.
28 pages, ages 4 and up, English. This is an excellent book for young English learners because it introduces pivotal moments in American history using illustrations and rhyme. It includes events like the First Thanksgiving, man walking on the moon, and pioneers moving west. The story celebrates American history and all of its uniqueness and diversity. (Krieger 11)
Napier, M. (2002). Z is for Zamboni. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages, ages 2 and up, English. This is an alphabet book that can help young sports fans learn letters in a fun way. While it may seem erroneous to some readers, hockey is a popular sport throughout Europe and North America. If our young reader is learning English and came from those countries, they will have a wonderful time getting to know the English alphabet through images and words they recognize. (Krieger 12)
Sachar, L. (1998). Holes. New York: Random House Inc.
240 pages, ages 9-12, English. This is another book that was made into a movie, which can help young readers visualize and picture the book more. Holes is about a young boy who gets sent to a juvenile detention center, where he is forced to dig holes in the hot desert all day. Eventually, the main character realizes that something fishy is going on, and he works with his friends to uncover it. (Krieger 13)
Klassen, J. (2011). I Want My Hat Back. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
40 pages, ages 4 and up, English. This is an excellent book for young emerging readers. In the story, a bear loses his hat and ventures off to find it, asking various woodland creatures along the way whether they’ve seen his hat. The dialogue is simple and the images are descriptive so that young readers will love following along on the bear’s journey. (Krieger 14)
Pfister, M. (1995). The Rainbow Fish. Zurich, Switzerland: North-South Books Inc.
32 pages, ages 3 and up, English. This was one of my favorite bedtime stories growing up. A brightly colored, shiny fish learns that he is more than just his shiny scales. The images will draw readers in, the words are simple, and the story is easy to follow. (Krieger 15)
Boelts, M. (2009). Those shoes. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Age level: 5-8; Reading level: beginner; English. Blue Ribbon Award. Who hasn’t come across something that they totally, absolutely had to have? In this case, the “something” happens to be a pair of Chuck Taylor style hi-cut sneakers, which is the newest fad at school and Jeremy desperately wants a pair. He just can't afford them. Some lucky children might not quite understand the concept where a pair of shoes can’t be afforded, but others will identify with Jeremy. This is a first-rate book that illustrates the importance of empathy and sharing and the importance of being thankful for what you have. (Sharon D.)
Bunting, E. (1997). A day's work. New York, NY: Sandpiper. Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, acts as liaison to help his grandfather find work as a gardener, even though his grandfather cannot speak English and knows nothing about gardening. Francisco lies to get his grandfather the job which leads to disaster. The story depicts the relationship between child and adult and the importance of being able to "start over". (DiCharia S.)
Bunting, E. (1993). Fly away home. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
Age level: 10+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about a homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal trying to blend in. He is given hope when a trapped bird finally finds its freedom. This story could be disturbing to very young children but is recommended for older children to discuss homelessness. (DiCharia S.)
Bunting, E. (2006). One green apple. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about a Muslim girl in a new country, feeling set apart and alone. With the assistance of one green apple amongst a preponderance of red apples, the class realizes that the uniqueness of an individual can contribute to the good of all. (DiCharia S.)
Dorros, A. (1997). Abuella. New York, NY: Puffin.
Age level: 3+; Reading level: beginner; English and some Spanish phrases. Abuella is a Spanish/English picture book that uses mixed media in its illustrations to portray the adventures of a grandmother and her granddaughter, Rosalba. The adventures begin when Rosalba wonders aloud, "What if I could fly?". The book is beautifully illustrated and integrated with Spanish words and phrases with a Spanish/English Dictionary included. (DiCharia S.)
Fox, M. (2006). Whoever you are. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. With these words, "Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world.'' Whoever You Are urges us to not only accept our differences and similarities but to embrace both. (DiCharia S.)
Levine, E. (1995). I hate English! New York, NY: Scholastic Paperbacks.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. "Such a lonely language. Each letter stands alone and makes its own noise. Not like Chinese." The story is about Mei Mei, an immigrant from Hong Kong, who is faced with having to adjust to the new language and culture at a school in New York City. This book offers great insight into the difficulties of learning a new language. (DiCharia S.)
Munson, D. (2000). Enemy pie. Chronicle Books.
Age Level: 5-8; Reading level: beginner; English. A young boy's summer is going great until Jeremy, enemy number 1, moves in. The young boy's father knows exactly how to deal with enemies, "enemy pie". While dad is busy making the "enemy pie", his son must spend the day being nice to the enemy. This isstory has an effective message about dealing with conflict. (DiCharia S.)
Pak, S. (2001). Dear Juno. New York, NY: Puffin.
Age Level: 3+; Reading level: beginner; English. In the age of e-mails and texts, this story portrays the unique communication between a Korean-American boy living in the U.S. and his grandmother, who lives in Korea and how they communicate through letters that bypass their language barrier. (DiCharia S.)
Park, L. (2005). Bee-bim bop! New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. Bee-bim bop is a traditional Korean dish of rice topped, and then mixed, with meat and vegetables. The illustraction and rhyming text will appeal to children as it portrays the culinary culture of Korea. (DiCharia S.)
Soto, G. (1996). Too many tamales. New York, NY: Puffin. Age level: 4+; Reading level: beginner; English. Maria felt very grown-up on Christmas Eve as she helped prepare tamales for Christmas dinner. She only meant to wear her mother's diamond ring for a minute, when suddenly, she noticed it was gone and might possibly be contained in one of the 24 tamales they had made. The illustrations are warm and realistic and portrays the mischievousness of a child along with the virtues of forgiveness. (DiCharia S.)
Yangsook, C. (2003). The name jar. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about Unhei, who has just come with her family from Korea and is starting a new school. After being teased on the school bus, Unhei decides to choose an American name, and her classmates oblige her by filling a glass jar with their suggestions. The illustrations of the story are realistic and appealing as it describes how it might feel to immigrate. (DiCharia S.)
Williams, K. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Age level: 6+; Reading level: beginner; English. Four Feet, Two Sandals is based on co-author Khadra Mohammed's experiences with refugees in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Ten-year-old Lina and her young friend each discover one wondrous sandal. Together they must solve the problem of how to share one pair of sandals between the both of them. The sandals not only become a symbol of friendship and sacrifice but the warm colors and bold brush strokes send a message of courage and hope. (DiCharia S.)
Woodson, J. (2001). The other side. New York, NY: Putnam Juvenile. Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. This story is about two youngsters, one black and one white, that face the separation of their races by means of a fence. The story is about how they overcome the dividing line that separated blacks and whites prior to the Civil Rights Movement. (DiCharia S.)
Wyeth, S. (2002). Something beautiful. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books. Age level: 7+; Reading level: beginner; English. Something beautiful is a young African-American girl's journey to discover something "beautiful" in her inner-city neighborhood. The illustrations are breathtakingly realistic and luminous and this engaging book would be a great springboard for a discussion about what "beautiful" means to children in any neighborhood. (DiCharia S.)
Mora, P. (2009). Gracias / Thanks. Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 4-7. ALOS: 3.1. Bilingual English and Spanish. This wonderful story lifts up how being thankful about everything in your life can make you happier. The young Mexican-American boy tells us how thankful he is for everyday things in his life: his uncle playing guitar music, a friend who shares a book, bees that don't sting him, the sun that wakes him up. The words in this story flow poetically and the illustrations are superb. Pura Belpre Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 1)
Brown, M. (2004). My name is Celia: The life of Celia Cruz / Me llamo Celia: la vida de Celia Cruz. Cooper Square Publishing Llc.
Age level: 5-8. ALOS: 4.4. Bilingual English and Spanish. This story tells the life of Celia Cruz from her childhood in Cuba as she becomes a famous singer and her move to New York City and Miami, where she helped invent salsa music. Vivid illustrations along with the story will make the reader feel like dancing! Americas Award for Children's Literature & Pura Belpre Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 2)
Tolkien, J.R.R. (2001). The fellowship of the ring (the lord of the rings, volume 1). Random House.
Age level: Grade 9 - Grade 12. ALOS: 8.1. Braille Version. A wonderful fantasy adventure that takes place in a different world: Middle-earth. The hobbit Frodo has a ring, a special ring that is being sought after by Ringwaiths. This story is a masterpiece that will draw readers in, and they will have to read the next two books in Tolkien's trilogy. (Heather Kribs 3)
Martin, B. Jr. (2009). Chicka chicka boom boom. Beach Lane Books.
Age Level: 3-5. ALOS: 1.9. Braille Version. An alphabet rhyme where the letters race up the coconut tree. But will they all fit? Children love to read along and get very involved (chicka chicka BOOM BOOM). The lowercase letters fall down, but thankfully their upper-case parents are there to help them up and dust them off. (Heather Kribs 4)
Aston, D.H. (2008) The moon over star. Dial.
Age level: 5-7. ALOS 4.3. English language. When nine-year-old Mae watches the first men walk on the moon in 1969, she believes that she can do anything. She tells her grandma she may one day walk on the moon, too. This is a great story to invoke the feeling of an African-American family in 1960's America. Coretta Scott King Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 5)
Martin, B. Jr. (2009). Chicka chicka boom boom. Beach Lane Books.
Age Level: 3-5. ALOS: 1.9. English language. An alphabet rhyme where the letters race up the coconut tree. But will they all fit? Children love to read along and get very involved (chicka chicka BOOM BOOM). The lowercase letters fall down, but thankfully their upper-case parents are there to help them up and dust them off. (Heather Kribs 6)
Knutson, B. (2004). Love and roast chicken: a trickster tale from the Andes mountains. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.
Age Level; 5-8. ALOS: 2.9. English language. High in the Andes mountains, Cuy the guinea pig is about to eat when Tio Antonio the fox comes and tries to eat him. This book has with Cuy outsmarting Tio Antonio in different ways, showing that clever thinking is important. This book has vibrant artwork and an authentic South American voice. An ALA Notable Children's Book and a Junior Library Guild Selection. (Heather Kribs 7)
Selznik, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret. Scholastic Press.
Age Level: 9-12. ALOS: English language. This masterpiece is unlike most books children have come across for their age level. The story is told mostly through beautiful pencil and pen illustrations, movie stills and photographs, with few words between them. Set in 1930's Paris, the orphan Hugo lives within the walls of a Paris train station, keeping the clocks set. This book is a mystery and children will become engrossed in it. This is perfect for reluctant or ELL readers, because the illustrations will draw them in, but the text has to be read to understand the full story. 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner, ALA Notable Children's Book, ALA Best Book for Young Adults. (Heather Kribs 8)
Suess, Dr. (2009). Cat in the hat / Le chat au chapeau. Random House Books.
Age Level: PreK. ALOS: 1.2. Bilingual: French and English. Students will love reading the silly antics of the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and 2 over and over again. The rhymes are easy and children enjoy to read this aloud themselves, as well as having it read to them. A brother and sister are stuck inside on a rainy day, when the Cat in the Hat comes knocking on their door. His ideas of fun are different then they are used to, and their fish is sure that mother would not approve, but the shenanigans abound. This is a great beginner book. (Heather Kribs 9)
Sachar, L. (2000). Holes. New York: Yearling.
Age level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 5.2. English language. This is a very interesting book about Stanley, a boy who has been falsely accused of stealing and ends up at a juvenile detention facility in the middle of nowhere. He blames his bad luck on a thieving relative way back in his family tree. The plot quickly thickens and Stanley makes friends and overcomes adversity. This is an interesting read for middle school students, who will love the twists and turns. Newberry Medal Award book. (Heather Kribs 10)
Gifford, C. (1994). The Usborne book of racing cars. E.D.C. Publishing.
Age level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 4.9. English language. This book is great for anyone who is excited to learn more about cars. It has facts, drawings and diagrams about different types of cars and lots of racing info. (Heather Kribs 11)
Osborne, M.B. (2003). Dinosaurios al atardecer: casa del arbol. (Translation: Dinosaurs before dark: A magic tree house book). Lectorum Publishing.
Age Level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 2.5. Spanish language. This first story in a series of a tree house that time travels will keep children's interest. This fantasy book has brother and sister Jack and Annie lost in the time of dinosaurs, trying to find a way home. (Heather Kribs 12)
Osborne, M.B., and Osborne, W. (2000). Dinosaurs: A nonfiction companion to "dinosaurs before dark": a magic tree house research guide. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 3.5. English language. This is a nonfiction guide all about dinorsaurs. It is a good companion to the fiction story Dinosaurs before dark. Siblings Jack and Annie describe dinosaurs, talk about mistaken beliefs people have about them, and discuss what kind of research goes into writing a fiction story about dinosaurs. (Heather Kribs 13)
Kinney, J. (2008). Diario de Greg, un renacuajo. (Translation: Diary of a wimpy kid). Lectorum Publications.
Age Level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 5.3. Spanish language. Greg is a 6th grade boy whose mom forces him to keep a diary. This book is his diary of his school year, where he talks about what happens to him every day, including how he is trying to become more popular at school, despite obstacles. This book is part graphic novel, part book. Readers will quickly become entranced in Greg's life, and want to read more and more. (Heather Kribs 14)
Avi. (1990). The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Avon Books.
Age Level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 6.9. English language. One of my favorite books as a middle schooler, I still come back to this story time and time again. 13 year old Charlotte is taking a vogage across the Atlantic in 1832. She starts off the voyage as a mere passenger, but through twists and turns ends up as part of the crew, before being convicted of murder. I loved Charlotte, loved her independence and strong willed nature, and how she finds her true self on the voyage. A Newberry Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 15)
Collins, S. (2010). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Print.
Age level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 5.3. English language. The first book in the popular fantasy trilogy. In a future time, North America is in ruins, there are 12 districts and one Capitol where people live in communities, ruled by the Capitol. The Capitol forces two tributes from each territories every year for a fight to the death in the Games, which is televised for all inhabitants to watch. The main character is Katniss, who volunteers to take her sister's place in the Games. This story is intriguing and readers can't wait to find out who will win the Games. (Heather Kribs 16) Professional Development
Dorros, Aurthur. (1991). Abuela. New York:Puffin Books.
Ages 4 and up.
This story shows the bond between grandmother and her granddaughter. The illustrations and text show how young hearted the grandmother is exploring New York with her granddaughter. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Herrara, Juan Felipe. (2003). Super Cilantro Girl. Berkeley, California: Publishers Group West.
Ages 4-8.
This wonderful story explains the life of Mexican coming to the U.S for a better life. It was written in a child friendly way to help us realize what the immigrants actually go through while becoming a citizen in our country. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Mora, Pat. (2004). Love to Mama. New York: Lee and Low Books, Bilingual Edition.
Grades 1 through 4.
This book consists of thirteen poems written for mothers. There are also illustrations to go along with the poems. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shihab Nye, Naomi. (1998). The Tree is Older Than You Are. North Richland, Texas: Aladdin.
Ages 7 and up.
A gathering of stories and poems written in Spanish and translated in English. Different authors and illustrators come together to create this unique book. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Lomoas Garza, Carmen. (2000). In My Family/ En Mi Familia. New York:Children's Book Press.
Ages 6 and up.
This story is as if someone was looking at a family album. The author explains her pictures and includes cultural detail. The story is about her and her family. The book consists of both English and Spanish. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Cottrell Boyce, Frank. (2011). The Unforgotten Coat. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick.
Ages 8 and up
The author writes about her experience in sixth grade. She helps two new Mongolian students by guiding them through their new school year. The story is about friendship, loss and learning about new cultures. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Gonzales, Diane. (2004). My Pal, Victor: McHenry, Illinois: Raven Tree Press, Csi; Bilingual Edition
Ages 4 and up.
This book tells the story of two young Latino boys who deal with the understanding of Victors disability. This books is good for bilingual, multicultural and/or disabled students as well as for others to understand their situation. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Brennan, Kevin. (2002). Jimmy Jammers. McHenry, Illinois: Raven Tree Press, Csi; Bilingual Edition.
Reading level 3
This book is bilingual. Tommy has outgrown his pajamas and goes through and adventurous search to find a new set of pajamas as wonderful as his old ones. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Chapra, Mimi. (2004). Amelia's Show and Tell Fiesta. New York :Katherine Tegen books.
Ages 3 and up.
This bilingual story is about Amelia's worry about bringing a precious thing from her island home for show and tell. Because she is a new comer to the country she fears her culture will not be looked at as her or her family look at it. Students can understand and connect with the Amelia character. (Naheel Shehadeh)
McPhail, David. (2003). Big Pig and Little Pig. Mooloolaba: Sandpiper.
Ages 4 and up.
Two friends, little pig and big pig always have fun together. Whatever the big pig does the little pig does as well. They also show opposites. For instance, when they swim in the pool, little pig gets a huge pool and big pig gets a tiny pool. This book is great for laughs when reading and looking at the illustrations. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Mora, Pat. (2000). Uno, Dos, Tres: One, Two, Three. Mooloolaba: Sandpiper.
Preschool and kindergarten.
This adventurous story is about two sisters going shopping for their mothers birthday. Through their mission they encounter different numbers in Spanish and in English. This will be a helpful transition in learning numbers in English or Spanish. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Middleton Elya, Susan. (2002). Eight Animals on the Town. New York: Puffin.
Ages 4 and up.
This book is a good introduction to counting, math, animals, and food. It is about eight animals going shopping for their supper. Everyone has different tastes which means all eight of them go somewhere else to grab a nice meal. (Naheel Shehadeh)
San Souci, Robert. (2000). Little Gold Star.New York: Harper Collins.
Grades 1 -5
A Spanish version of Cinderella with a twist. Virgin Mary is the fairy god mother that helps Teresa. She becomes blessed with a gold star. This is a great traditional twist to the original Cinderella. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shah, Idries. Mary Santiago, Rose. (2006). The Man With Bad Manners. Afghanistan: Hoopoe Books.
Ages 4 and up.
This story is about a man who misbehaves and has bad manners. A young boy tries to help this man become better with the help of all the villagers he succeeds. This is a great book to help teacher manners. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shah, Idries. (2000). Silly Chicken. Afghanistan: Hoopoe Books.
Ages 5 - 8
The story is about a chicken who is trained by its owner to speak like humans. But at the same time this book teaches children the dangers of being to gullible. The chicken decides to tell humans that the world is going to end and they start to become gullible. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Benjamin, A. (1996). Young rosa parks: Civil rights heroine. Mahwah, NJ: Troll Communications LLC
Ages: 4 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten and up. English. 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8167-3775-8
This text provides an excellent, age appropriate depiction of the life of Rosa Parks. This text consists of colorful illustrations and simple language for young learners practice reading while acquiring factual information. This is a good text to utilize when discussing civil rights with young learners. (Kezia S. #1)
Cronin, D. (2000). Click, clack, moo: Cows that type. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten and up. Lexile: AD160L. English. 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6898-3213-0
This high interest text is engaging and visually appealing to young learners. This text highlights cows on a farm that begin to type letters to their caregiver to get their demands met. This text assists with letter writing skills, specifically persuasive writing skills. I recommend this text as an introduction to letter writing. (Kezia S. #2)
Easterling, L. (2007). Families. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4034-9402-3
This high interest text is relative and visually appealing to young learners via captivating photographs and age appropriate language. This text informs young learners about the importance of family, and discusses the differences and similarities of families around the world. I would highly recommend this text during a theme or unit on family. (Kezia S. #3)
Galdone, P. (2006). The little red hen. Boston, MA: Clarion Books
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 34 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6188-3684-0
This classic text provides an opportunity for educators to impress upon young learners the importance of working together. This text encourages good citizenship and cooperation. (Kezia S. #4)
Huggins, M. (2012). We all come from different cultures. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 550L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7577-2
This text provides engaging photographs and age appropriate language for young learners to explore the different cultures that exist. (Kezia S. #5)
Mayer, C. (2008). Being responsible. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4034-9489-4
This text has nice illustrations and age appropriate language for young learners to explore what constitutes responsible behavior. I would recommend this text when teaching responsibility to young learners. (Kezia S. #6)
Piper, W. (2005). The little engine that could. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Ages: 2 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten-3rd grade. English, 48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-3992-4467-4
This engaging text, provides an age appropriate lesson on the importance of never giving up, demonstrated by the determination shown by the little engine that was determined to get over the mountain. In this classic text with modern colorful images young learners are shown a very important lesson. I recommend this text as a beginning of the year read aloud, that you can reference throughout the year when your students come to challenging situations or work. This will allow you to remind them to persevere like the little engine did in the text to achieve their goals by always believing that they can achieve them. (Kezia S. #7)
Price, H. L. (1999). These Hands. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7868-0370-5
This text contains simple age appropriate language and thought provoking illustrations which explore the power that our hands possess. This text is an excellent tool for educating young learners about the many tasks that we can achieve with our hands. This text can also be utilized to review the concept of and identify rhyming words. (Kezia S. #8)
Reid, M. (1995). How Have I Grown. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-5902-9298-6
This text consists of good illustrations and simple age appropriate language. This text provokes reflective thinking about the growth process. It encourages young learners to recall how they have grown over the years. This text can also be utilized to teach mathematical concepts such as height and weight. (Kezia S. #9)
Rissman, R., Biederman, Y., & Wheatley, E. (2009). We are all different. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 50L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4329-2278-8
This high interest, age appropriate text provides many photographs for young students of how all individuals are special and have differences. This read aloud serves as a vehicle for educators to facilitate discussions about differences and diversity, which fosters an environment of tolerance and respect for one another. I highly recommend this text for young learners as a tool to teach acceptance of others and the characteristics that make us all unique. (Kezia S. #10)
Rissman, R. (2009). What is a community. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 260L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4329-3259-6
This high interest, age appropriate text is a read aloud that provides many photographs for young students to reflect upon when processing the concept of what constitutes a community. I highly recommend this text for young learners as a tool to teach about global communities. (Kezia S. #11)
Schuh, M. (2006). Healthy snacks. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 2nd grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5369-9
This text provides photographs in an age appropriate manner illustrating healthier snacks for young children to consume. This is an excellent introduction to healthier eating for young learners. (Kezia S. #12)
Schuh, M. (2006). The Meat and Beans Group. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 480L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5372-9
This text consists of colorful photographs and age appropriate material for young learners as they become more informed about the meat and bean food group. (Kezia S.#13)
Schuh, M. (2006). The Vegetable Group. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 380L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5374-3
This text has colorful photographs and age appropriate language for young learners as they are educated about the vegetable food group. (Kezia S. #14)
Schuette, S. (2007). Let’s look at spring. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 380L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-6707-8
This selection provides wonderful and engaging color photographs of different spring related concepts and simple text for young learners. I would recommend this text when discussing the topic of spring or a spring theme. (Kezia S. #15)
Teacher Resource Book Recommendation:
Morrow, L.M., Gambrell, L.B., & Pressley, M. (2007). Best practices in literacy instruction (3rd Ed.) New York: The Guilford Press.
ISBN: 978-1-5938-5392-1
This teacher resource book is full of resources to assist educators with literacy strategies for all students
including English Language Learners. This text in my opinion is broken down easily so that educators
can quickly find the sections that they need. I also find this text helpful because it addresses many of the
key elements of literacy instruction that are relevant to educators today in order to foster literacy success
for all learners. (Kezia S.)
Sper, E. (2001). Hanukkah: a counting book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level: Pre-K
This book is great for beginner readers. Children learn how to count from 1-8 in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew as well as learning about Hanukkah.
-Dragana
Ryan, P. M., Astrella, M., & Canetti, Y. (2003). Hello ocean = Hola mar. Watertown, Mass.: Charlesbridge.
Grade level: 1-2
This book uses the 5 senses to learn about the ocean. The rhyming in the book makes it interested and fun to read. This book is bilingual.
-Dragana
Cumpiano, I. (2005). Quinito's neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito. San Francisco, Calif: Children's Book Press.
Grade Level: 1-2
In this book you can find both Spanish and English words. Any child that reads this book will learn greatly while exploring the neighborhood with the main character.
-Dragana
Mora, P., & Ventura, G. B. (2001). The bakery lady: La senora de la panaderia. Houston, TX: Pinata Books.
Grade Level: 1-2
Once again, this book is in both Spanish and English. It is a great way to children to want to learn a new language when their primary one is included. This book discusses a special relationship between him and his grandparents.
-Dragana
Dahl, R. (1964). Charlie and the chocolate factory. New York: Knopf.
Grade Level: 3-5
This book is a classic. I grew up with it, as I am sure most other have as well. From this book children can learn about having dreams and that no matter what things will always work out.
White, E. B. (1952). Charlotte's web. New York: Harper.
Grade Level: 3-5
Yet another classic on the list. This book teachers children how to find pleasures in the smallest of things and friends can come from all different places.
-Dragana
Nelson, K. (2011). Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray.
Grade Level: 4+
I believe it is important to learn about others culture and understand where people come from. In this book we learn about the struggles African Americans have experienced in the United States and the ways they have overcome them; great book about history.
-Dragana
Yolen, J. (1988). The devil's arithmetic. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking Kestrel.
Grade Level: 6+
The holocaust was one of the worst things to happen during WWII, in this story a modern day Jewish teenager from New York gets transported back in time and experiences the hardships her family had endured. There is also a movie to supplement this story.
-Dragana
Jaffe, N. (1995). Older brother, younger brother: a Korean folktale. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking.
Grade Level: 1-3
This tale of two brothers is great. When the father dies the older brother inherits all of the things. He then banishes his younger brother, his wife, and children. When he younger brother shows kindness to those around him he then is rewarded with great wealth. A wonderful story of overcoming hardships if you stay true to yourself.
-Dragana
Cisneros, S. (1994). Hairs = Pelitos. New York: Dragonfly Books.
Grade level: K-3
In this book you can find how a girl views her family and the way she describes each one. She discusses this by the different types of hair her family has. They might all be family but each one is unique in their own way.
-Dragana
Baillie, A. (1994). Little brother. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Puffin Books.
Grade Level: 7+
When two-brother escape capture in Asia, they must find their way through the jungle in hopes of not being captures again. Great story about survival and dedication.
-Dragana
Morey, W. (1989). Scrub dog of Alaska. Hillsboro, Or. Blue Heron Pub.
Grade Level: 5+
This book is about a dog that is not liked by anyone in the town, until a boy name David comes along. David being of Native American background knows how to protect him and cherish him. This is a tale of trust between a dog and his owner.
-Dragana
Levitin, S. (19941993). The golem and the dragon girl. New York: Fawcett Juniper.
Grade level: 6+
Asian culture has their beliefs of greatness and that spirits of loved ones that have passed stay with us in one way or another. When a young boy is forced to move to a new home, he is not happy. When a new family moves into the home they believe it is haunted.
-Dragana
Wing, N. (1996). Jalapeño bagels. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Grade Level: K-2
When a boy has to bring something to school that represents who he is, he has to figure out a way to incorporate his Mexican and Jewish heritage. Good thing his family owns a bakery, which helps him find just the right now. Can you guess what it is?
-Dragana
Fox, M. (2006). Whoever you are. Orlando: Voyager Books.
Grade Level: K-2
This is a great story to read to children about other around the world. The massage is simple, “no matter who we are or where we are from we are all the same” We might come from different places but we cry about the same things, we enjoy same things, we love the same things.
-Dragana
Age level: Grades 1-5. This is a great set of poems for children to read that stress the importance of love and family. I’ve noticed that poetry is slowly slipping out of classrooms so this is a great source to use. These poems focus on the smaller more important things in life such as family rather than materialistic items. Stephanie Signore
Eve, B. (1996). Going home. Perfection Learning.
Age level: 4 and up. This book focuses on sacrifice. This story is about a family who sacrifices moving from their homeland of Mexico to provide a better life for their children. Any child that has ever left their country will be able to relate to this because the characters go through similar situations that many children have gone through, such as leaving people you care about and leaving everything that you know. This is a great story that adults as well as children should read. Stephanie Signore
Gonzalez, L. (2008). Thestoryteller'scandle. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press.
Age level: 6 and up. This is a wonderful book full of pictures that expresses the emotions that children can go through when celebrating with friends and families but not being in the place that they feel most comfortable (their original homes/countries). They are introduced to a library that serves as a place where they can go to hear stories in their native language as well as the English language. This book can help students to see the value of books and how coming together and talking together (in this case at the library) can be a positive thing in the lives of children. Stephanie Signore
Gzimes, N. (2009). Rich: Adyamondedanielbook. Putnam Juvenile.
Age level: 7 and up. This is a great book for students to read that deal with situations such as economics and just being in a different community as a whole than they are used to being in. They take situations that could be viewed as negative and find a positive twist to them, for example winning a poetry contest for writing a poem about a child living in a shelter. This story takes the idea of people being into materialistic things and instead finding joy in the many things that money can’t pay for such as friendships. Stephanie Signore
Johnson, J.C. (2010). Seeds ofchange: Wangari'sgift to theworld. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 7 and up. This book is a great focus on leadership and focusing on the environment. The pictures give a great feeling for nature. This would be a wonderful story to focus on the idea of what a “hero” is and how the character throughout this story depicts a true hero. The students can explore the characteristics that the woman portrays that make her a hero by looking at the importance of the movement she had in Africa. Stephanie Signore
Lewis, T. (1971). Hill offire. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Age level: 6 and up. This is a true story which the children would really enjoy and it would be a great story to use in an ESL classroom. This story can teach children about the value of responsibility. A young boy helps his father out in the fields and recreates a great place after it was destroyed by a volcano. They did such a good job that tourists were attracted to it. Children can learn the value of responsibility by reading about characters they can relate to who show characteristics of being responsible. They can also practice the same characteristics in their own lives. Stephanie Signore
Moss, P. (2010). One ofus. Gardener, ME: Tilbury House Publishers.
Age level: 5 and up. Children are going through struggles everyday of their lives and it’s not all the time that they are noticed. This story includes all different types of issues that kids face on a daily basis including bullying and friendships. This is a great book to use to show children how important it is to get to know people and be accepting of everyone around them. Stephanie Signore
Myers, C. (2000). Wings. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Age level: 4 and up. This would be a great book for children to read who have moved from one place to another and don’t feel like they fit in right away. It is also a perfect book for children to show that it’s okay to be different and not everyone is the same. This book stresses that each individual is special in there own way. Stephanie Signore
Nikola-Lisa, W. (1997). Bein' withyouthisway. Pine Plains, NY: Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 4 and up. This is an easy read for students and has great illustrations that are very eye appealing to the reader. It seems to be very common for children to shy away from each other if they look different from each other but this book focuses on the positive aspect of that. This is a great book to use in the classroom because it brings up positives to diversity, which in my opinion students should be exposed to at an early age. Stephanie Signore
Nivola, C. A. (2008). Planting thetrees ofkenya: Thestory ofwangarimaathai. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Age level: 5 and up. This is a great story that can show how quickly change can happen in a culture. After going back to her homeland (Kenya) she finds that all of the positives things that she used to know of the environment are gone and people are going hungry. Instead of going back to America she worked to help people take charge of the environment and learn to plant food so that people would be able to eat. This can be a very inspiring story for children to read because they should be trying to take charge in their communities to make it the best place that it can be. Stephanie Signore
Resau, Laura. (2006). What themoonsaw. New York, NY: Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
Age level: 10 and up. This would be a wonderful book for children of this time to read. This story first takes place in a suburban town where this child has access to her television and her computer (very common to what children have today). She then goes to Mexico where she starts to see what is really important in her life and what she should really see value in. This book may also make children more interested in their culture and where there ancestors came from and this is something that seems important and something that children should know about because family is important. Stephanie Signore
Tyler, M. (2005). The skin you live in. Chicago, IL: Chicago Children’s Museum.
Age level: 4 and up. This is a picture book that centers in on skin color. This book deals on something that seems to be a very large issue in our world today, and that issue is social acceptance. When children can see relate to the issues going on in the book they have a better chance at being interested in them and that is exactly what this book provides. The pictures are also a great way to get the attention of children with the many colors that they use. Stephanie Signore
Parr, T. (2001). It’s okay to be different. New York, NY: Little Brown and Company.
Age level: 4 and up. Children are constantly trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be and by doing this they are sometimes comparing themselves to others. This book offers the many differences that children may see in themselves and others and how we should look at those as being our own special traits rather than thinking in a bad way that it’s what makes us different from each other. There are great messages to gather throughout this book and the pictures will grab the attention of the children too. It is a great book to help children see how unique and special they really are and that being different from one another is a good thing. Stephanie Signore
Smith, D. (2002). If there world were a village: A book about the world’s people. Toronto, Canada: Kids Can Press.
Age level: 8 and up. This is a great book to help students look outside their culture. It will help them to see all of the different people in the world that they may not even know about so that they can get a sense of things outside of their own communities. This will also help students to see what certain countries have and do not have so that they can understand the world better. Hopefully when they grow up many of the issues that they hear about will not be a surprise to them because they have been exposed to it at a younger age. They may also be able to make connections to people they know and that way they can understand each other better and be more helpful rather than harmful to each other. I think this book will definitely help the children to appreciate what they have. Stephanie Signore
Truong, T. (2003). Going home, coming home. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press.
Age level: 6 and up. This story would benefit many children who have moved to an unfamiliar place. The daughter in this story is forced to adapt to her changing environment by making new friends and learning different ways to do things. This character is not familiar with her original “home” and is finding it hard to grasp the concepts that make a “home” that she doesn’t even remember. Many children are taken away from their original homes and may not always remember so they are forced to adapt to new ways around them in order to survive and be happy. Students in this situation can relate to this book and find great ideas of having a better transition. Stephanie Signore
EDU 364/EDUG 480 students: please add your fifteen book selections, on this page, with annotations for each selection. Include your name after each annotation. The goal is for each of us to select and propose fifteen different books so that we have a wide variety of choices, but if you feel very strongly about a particular book that's already been chosen, go ahead and write about it. In terms of professional development books, think about an education book that has been especially valuable to you, e.g., a book from a class in Special Education, Elementary Education, Children's Literature or ESL/Bilingual Education. Click here for resources.
N.B. In order to avoid shipping costs, please select books that are available from Better World Books. We'll need to purchase materials for teaching visually-impaired students elsewhere; the St. Ambrose University students will deliver those.
Martin, Bill. (1992). Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? (1967). New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Age 3+:; Reading level: beginner; English and Spanish translation. A story that includes rhything and repetition. Throughout each page a new animal is introduced. Each animal sees various objects and talks about what they see in a rhyming way. I recommend this book because the repetition, rhyming, and colorful illustrations. It is a great book for the beginning reader. Colleen D.
Tapahonoso, Luci. (1995). Navajo ABC. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for young Readers.
Ages 4+; Reading level: beginner; English and Dine words; The author uses the letters for the alphabet as a guide into the Navajo culture. Each page has colorful illustrations of each object it describes. I recommend this book because it will teach children at this age about the Navajo culture and at the same time learn the alphabet. Colleen D.
Hurwitz, Johanna. (1993). New Shoes for Silvia. New York: William Morrow and Company.
Ages 6+; Reading level: beginning; English and Spanish translation. A story about a little girl named Silvia who receives a new pair of shoes that are too big for her. She tries them on everyday. Silvia eventually becomes distanced from the shoes, but one day she tries them on and they fit. I recommend this book because of Silvia’s many adventures she has trying on the shoes and the colorful illustrations. Colleen D.
Bernier-Grand, Carmen. (2009). Diego Bigger Than Life. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
Ages 11+; Reading level: beginning to advance; English. A story about the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. It is written in first person in poem form. I recommend this book because it is written in first person and the reader gets Diego’s point of view. The illustrations and various colors are so appealing. Colleen D.
Ryan, Munoz Pam. (2010). The Dreamer. New York: Scholastic Press.
Ages 10+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English and Spanish. A story about a boy named Nefali Reyes. Through the use of his senses and poetry, we learn about his life. I recommend this book because the author makes the reader think differently. Also each chapter follows with pictures of clues of what will happen next. Colleen D.
Engle, Margarita. (2011). Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck. New York: Henry Holt.
Ages 11+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English. A story about a boy named Quebrando whose mother is a Taino Indian and father is Spanish. The story describes his struggle of when he is on a pirate’s ship and a hurricane comes. A fisherman finds him and makes him feel welcome in his village. I recommend this historical fiction book because the author is able to express the feelings of the characters. Colleen D.
Curtis, Paul Christopher. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Random House.
Ages 9+; Reading level: beginning to advance. English and Spanish. A story about a 10-year-old African American orphan named Bud. Bud is treated terribly at many different orphanages. He runs away to find his father who is a jazz musician. His father doesn’t respond well to Bud, but his father’s friends are kind to him. I recommend this book because of the great description of a lonely boy during the Depression. Colleen D.
Mora, Pat. (1992). A Birthday Basket for Tia. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Ages 4+; Reading level: beginning. English and Spanish. A story about a girl named Cecilia. The story describes Cecilia looking for the perfect gifts for her Aunt Tia’s 90th birthday. I recommend this book because of its illustrations and the relationship between Cecilia and her Great Aunt. Colleen D.
Mora, Pat. (find copyright). Gracias-Thanks. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Ages 4+; Reading level: beginning. English and Spanish. A story about a boy who explains everything he is thankful for in his life. A character with a different background is introduced on each page. I recommend this book because of its colorful illustrations and the author’s writing style. Colleen D.
Yep, Laurence. (1995). Hiroshima. New York: Scholastic.
Ages 12+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English. This is a story about the atomic bomb. The story is told by Sachi who survived this horrible event. She travels to America for surgery and goes back to Japan to be with other survivors. I recommend this book because it describes this horrible event through Sachi. It will make students realize what happened during World War II in Japan. Colleen D.
Yoo, Paula. (2008). Good Enough. New York: Harper Collins.
Ages 12+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English. This is a story about a girl named Patti. Her parents are immigrants who expect the best from their daughter. I recommend this book because students will able to see how a young girl deals with her immigrant background and family problems. Colleen D.
Seuss, Dr. (find copyright) There’s A Wocket in My Pocket. New York: Random House.
Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning. English and Braille. This is a story told by a little boy about all the crazy things he sees. Different objects are in his house and are described by him. I recommend this book because of its’ rhyming and humorous learning at the same time. Colleen D.
Hoban, Lillian. (1996). Arthur’s Back to School Day. USA: Harper Collins.
Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning. English and Braille. A story about a boy named Arthur. On the first day back to school, he mixes his lunch up with his sister’s. Throughout the day Arthur and the other students misbehave. The teachers and principal explain the right ways they should be acting. I recommend this book because of the illustrations and lessons students can learn. Colleen D.
Woodson, Jacqueline. (1997). We had a Picnic this Sunday. New York: Hypersion Books for Children.
Ages 5+; Reading level: Beginning; English. A story about a young girl named Teeka. Her family gathers every Sunday for a picnic. The reader is introduced to each family member through Teeka. I recommend this book because of its colorful illustrations and the lessons of the value of family. Colleen D.
Silverstein, Shel. (1964). The Giving Tree. China: Evil Eye Music Inc.
Ages 7+; Reading level: beginning through advanced. English and Spanish. This is a story about the stages of a tree and how it makes a young boy happy. It describes the relationship of the young boy through adulthood with the tree. I recommend this book because it explains great lessons of life and what one learns. It is really a great classic for all ages. Colleen D.
African American
Allen, D. (2001). Dancing in the wings. Scholastic: New York.
Age level K-2 Reading level ATOS: 3.5-This book is about a little girl who loves to dance. She is tall and has really big feet. This African American tale is about building confidence in who you are despite your differences. Melisa Ledesma
Woods, B. (2003). The red rose box. Putnam: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 4.9-This book is based on two young girls who live in segregated Louisiana in the 1950’s. It entails the difficulties of being ‘colored’ and living in this difficult era in southern part of the United States. Melisa Ledesma
Oneyefulu, O., Safarewicz, E. (1995) Chinye: A west african folk tale. Penguin Putnam: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 3.9-This is a tale of a young boy sent out into the forest by his grandmother. She sends him on a dangerous errand. On his way he discovers magical gourds. These gourds promise riches and evil. Melisa Ledesma
Asian American
Kadohata, C. (2004). Kira-Kira. Atheneum: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 4.7-This book is about a Japanese-American family, in the 1950’s, who move from Iowa to Georgia. A young girl, by the name of Katie, is left to care for her older sister who has become ill. Melisa Ledesma
Jules, J. (2009). Duck for turkey day. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 2.6- This story is about a young Vietnamese girl named Tuyet. She is upset when she finds out that for Thanksgiving dinner she will be having duck, not turkey. Melisa Ledesma
Chin, O., Wood, J. (2012). The year of the dragon: Tales from the chinese zodiac. Immedium: California.
Age Level K-3 This book is about the traditions of the Chinese New Year which are integrated with the story of Dominic. Dominic’s parents have high expectations for him to become emperor. However, he has other ideas.
Jewish American
Rubin, S.G. (2000). Fireflies in the dark: The story of the friedl dicker-brandeis and the children of terezin. Holiday House: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 6.2- This book is about an Art teacher, Dicker-Brandis who is sent to the Terezin concentration camp. It tells the story of overcoming, for a brief moment, the devastation around them. Melisa Ledesma
Snicket, L., Brown, L. (2007) The latke who couldn’t stop screaming: A christmas story. Mc Sweeney’s Books: San Francisco, CA.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 5.3-This story is about a potato latke who goes around screaming because the house is not decorated with Christmas decorations. He does not realize that he is a symbol of Hanukah. Melisa Ledesma
Latino/Hispanic American
Bernado, A. (1996). Jumping off to freedom. Arte Publico Press: New York.
Age level 4-8 Reading level ATOS: 5.1 This story is about a 15 year old boy and his father trying to flee Cuba from Castro and his regime. The journey begins when they decide to go on a raft across the ocean and try to find Florida. Melisa Ledesma
Polette, K. (2004). Isabel and the hungry coyote. Raven Tree Press: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.1-Bilingual English and Spanish. The is a retelling of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. However, the setting is set in the desert and replaces the wolf with a hungry coyote. Melisa Ledesma
Jimenez, F. (2000). La mariposa. Houghton Mifflin: New York.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS:4.6-Bilingual English and Spanish. This story is about a young boy by the name of Francisco and the difficult time he has during his first year of school. It is an account of a child’s struggle to learn English. Melisa Ledesma
Middle Eastern American
Rayyan, O., Kimmel, E., A. (2010). Joha makes a wish: A middle eastern tale. Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books: New York.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS 3.2- This is a tale about Joha and how he finds a magic stick. In finding this magic stick, Joha goes on to wish for things, but they aren’t what he exactly wishes for. Melisa Ledesma
Matze, C.S. (2002). The stars in my geddoh’s sky. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.0- This story is about Geddoh and his arrival to the United States. Upon his arrival, he shares stories with his grandson about tales of his homeland. Melisa Ledesma
Native American
McCain, B. (1998). Grandmother’s dreamcatcher. Albert Whitman and Company: Illinois.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 3.2- This story is about a little girl who stays with her grandmother while her parents look for a house. While there, she is having bad dreams but with her grandmother’s help, she learns about the dreamcatcher. Melisa Ledesma
Bruchac, J., Bruchac, J., Aruego, J. (2003). How chipmunk got his stripes. Puffin Books: New York.
Age level K-3 Reading level ATOS: 2.9-This is a story about two squirrels. They have a disagreement about whether the sun can be stopped from rising. Melisa Ledesma
Tafolla, Carmen and Magalay Morales. (2009). Que puedes hacer con una paleta? Tricycle Press.
Ages 5-8. Spanish. This book is about a little girl who is enjoying different flavors of icecream, paletas, that are being sold in her neighborhood. It's a great little story with wonderful descriptive vocabulary and representation of Mexican culture. (Tiffany S.)
Williams, L., Lloyd, M. and Noda, Y. (1996). The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. New York: Harper Collins.
Ages 5-8. Spanish (and English). Love this book for repetition and how the story builds and requires the young readers to remember previous information. It's also great for young students because of the movement that goes along with all of the different clothing items. This little old lady is walking in the woods at night alone, spooky enough. But then she hears all these weird noises and has to keep a brave face as they follow her and get louder.... This book has endless possibilities, vocabulary, games, a whole theme for October! (Tiffany S.)
Dr. Seuss. (1992). Huevos verdes, con jamon. New York, NY: Lectorum Publications.
Ages 5-8. Spanish (also available in Braille for second graders on www.braillebookstore.com ). Classic Dr. Seuss with easy rhymes for first and second graders that enjoy silliness as their learning vocabulary and ryhming matches. Someone is trying to get someone else to desperately try green eggs and ham, much to the dismay of the second person. Maybe he would like it in house, with a mouse? This version is in Spanish and is still simple enough to teach the same concepts in a different language, including Braille!. (Tiffany S.)
Foglesong Guy, G. and Moreno King, R. (2007). !Fiesta!. Rayo.
Ages 3-5. English and Spanish. This book counts items in both English and Spanish. The items are things that the children are taking to a party, a fiesta! Easy to read even if you don't know how to read in Spanish. The counting and dual language is great, and there is some idea of Latino culture offered as well. (Tiffany S.)
Cronin, D. and Lewin, B. (2000). Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type. Weston, CT: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ages 3-5. English. This book is hilarious and I've never read it to a crowd that didn't crack up listening to it. The farmer's cows find an old type writer in the barn and look out, they are helping all the farm animals make demands that the farmer does not want comply with. But he has no choice because the animals go no strike. Simply fun and there is a whole series that Doreen Cronin does about the cows and ducks. (Tiffany S.)
Wilson, K. and Chapman, J. (2005). The Bear Snores On. New York: Little Simon.
Ages 3-5. English. Love this book and the ryhming is great for young children. Bear is fast asleep in his cave while little forest friends invade his space. He finally does wake up but is not the grouchy bear everyone thinks he will be. There are more stories about bear, one of my favorites for my daughter is The Bear Stays Up for Christmas. The illustrations are also beautiful and offer ideas for conversation. (Tiffany S.)
Viosrt, J. and Cruz, R. (1987). Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Ages 5+. Grades K-2. English. Poor Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair and the rest of the day is hit with catastrophes that only a child can relate to. Great book for talking about emotions and how to deal with problems/situations that upset you. Very easy to read and relatable for young elementary children. (Tiffany S.)
Sendak, M. (1988). Where the Wild Things Are. Weston, CT: Harper Trophy.
Ages 5+. Grades K-2. English. Awesome book that delves into a little boy's imagination after he sent to bed without supper. Max is king of the wild things until he finds himself missing home. Children love this book because of the idea that they too can be king of the wild things and it's fun to act wild! This book is also fun to act out and I have used it for some great ideas for thematic units. (Tiffany S.)
Shannon, D. (2002) No, David!. New York: Everest Publishing.
Ages 3-5. English or Spanish. The author is the little boy breaking all the rules in this book. His mother keeps telling him "No, David!" all throughout the book after he does things like chew with his mouth open or jump on furniture. Young children can totally relate to breaking the rules and hearing the word 'no'. They also love to join in the reading because it has predictable text, "No David!" (Tiffany S.)
Wood, D. and Wood, A. (1990) Quick as a Cricket/Veloz Como El Grillo. New York: Child's Play International.
Ages 3-5. English and Spanish. One of my favorite author/illustrator combos. This book has fun illustrations that keep a young audience entertained. The book is from a young boy's point of view and he describes how he is through use of animals and creatures. I love this book because the children can act out the different animals and after reading it they will talking about how they are as 'big as a whale' with their arms held open and saying it in their deepest voice. (Tiffany S.)
Wood, D. and Wood, A. (1990) The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. New York: Child's Play International. Ages 3-5. English but also available in Spanish. Absolutely love this book about a little mouse who is trying to pick a strawberry but the reader of the book is asking him questions about a big hungry bear. The little mouse tries everything to keep this strawberry out of the big hungry bear's paws but ultimately the reader deceives him into sharing it. Super fun and addictive, my children love it and ask me to read it everyday in class. (Tiffany S.)
Anonymous (2005) Go Ask Alice. Simon Pulse.
Ages 13+. Grade: 8th. English. This is a powerful autiobiography written by a girl who is addicted to drugs and her struggles to get off of drugs and what life is like on drugs. I read this book when I was in eighth grade and it has stuck with me. I think this kind of book is interesting (it's written in diary format) for young readers and they can relate to the teenage girl and what she is thinking while she is going through these terrible times. The ending is a shocker and leaves the reader with an uneasy feeling. (Tiffany S.)
Martin, Jr., B. (1996) Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?. New York: Henry Holt and Co.
Ages 3-5. English. An Eric Carle classic and one of my favorites. In this book Eric Carle's unique colored collages of different animals are paired with a sing-like poem where each animals 'sees' the next one on the page. Love this book because young children can identify the common animals, their colors, and make animal noises. The animal names and colors can easily be translated into Spanish for discussion. (Tiffany S.)
Tilman, N. (2010) On the Night You Were Born. Feiwel and Friends.
Ages 3-5. English. I bought this book for my daughter and fell in love with it. The illustrations are capitivating and can create great conversation. The text is like a poem celebrating the birth of the child who is reading it. It talks about nature and animals and how they 'danced' and celebrated the new child. The idea is that the child feels special and that their being here on Earth is something to celebrate. (Tiffany S.)
Martin, Jr. B. and Archambault, J. (2006) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with Audio CD. Madison, WI: Little Simon
Ages 3-5. English. This book is best paired with the CD so that teachers can sing the text throughout the book because it makes more magical for the children listening. It's written about all the letters of the alphabet that climb into the coconut tree and then it gets too heavy and they all fall out. The children are learning about their ABC's and rhyming. I have this book in my classroom and it's a favorite read along. Everyone can catch onto the 'boom boom'! (Tiffany S.)
Ryan, P. (2002). Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic.
Ages 10+ Grades 5-7 Reading Level 750L. English and some Spanish, but also available in Spanish. Esperanza had everything a girl could want from fancy dresses to a beautiful ranch home in Mexico. Do to the murder of her father; Esperanza and her Mama are forced to flee to California. They start a hard new life in a farm labor camp during the Great Depression. I recommend this book due to the lessons in live and the value of family Esperanza learns. The narration is very descriptive allowing the reader to feel the changes the young girl goes through. Megara G
Smith, R. (2007). Elephant Run. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Age10+ Grade Level: 5 and up. English. Nick is sent to his father’s teak plantation in Burma during the London Blitz in 1941only to find the war followed him there. The Japanese take over the country and the plantation. The father and son are taken as prisoner of war and separated. Nick is determined escape and rescue his father. I recommend this book because of Nick’s resolve to succeed and his need to quickly learn about other cultures, languages, and customs of other people. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1963). Hop on Pop. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 5 and up. Grade level: K and up. English. A fun romp for these kids as they go on for a Hop on Pop. Dr. Seuss’s monosyllabic rhymes are a wonderful way to increase phonic awareness. It has been my experience that the short repeated blends in Dr. Seuss's books help emerging readers to realize how to read a new word once you know a identical part of another. The art work is enjoyable for all. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1960). Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 5 and up. Grade level: K and up. English. A persistent Sam tries to get a man to eat green eggs and ham. Besides the rhyming of the story, simple linking verbs are repeated and demonstrated in Seuss’s illustrations. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1961). The Sneetches and Other Stories. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up. Grade level: 1 and up. English. The Sneetches with star bellies and without stars upon thars get swindled by Sylvester McMonkey McBean who uses prejudices to get money from the stupid Sneetches. Great illustrations whisk the reader though the folly of the Sneetches. I recommend this book not only for the reading lesson with phonic awareness but for the lesson in cultural acceptance. Megara G
Selnick, B. (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press
Grade level: 4-7 Lexile 820. This book is a masterpiece in the marriage of Illustration and the written word. A young orphan boy cares for the clocks in a Paris train station hidden. He looks to mending a automaton while stealing for survival. He meets a old toy maker and realizes that the man is hiding something about himself. This story starts out in all picture format allowing the readers minds to feel the boys life with his eyes. When the words start, the reader is so entranced they don’t want the story to end. Throughout the book, they are rewarded with more illustrations at key points in the story. I recommend this book for the wondrous history it remembers, the playful illustrations and storyline that encompass this book of over 500 pages. Megara G
Day, A. (1997). Good Dog Carl. New York: Aladdin
Preschool up to grade 3. The pet dog, Carl is put on babysitting duty when his mistress goes to the store. Carl and the baby enjoy their unsupervised time together. Carl even gives the baby a bath. Wonderful Illustrations map out the story of Carl and the baby without the hindrance of words. Readers of any ability can choose their own words to read the story allowing them to use their imaginations which is why I recommend this book. Megara G
Snicket, L. (2000). A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. London: Harper Collins
Grades 5 and up Lexile 1010. Three very resourceful children find themselves orphaned. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children are put into the hands of a distant cousin, Count Olaf. It is the Count’s plan to kill them and get their inheritance. Of course no one will believe them leaving it up to themselves to foil the Count’s plans and save the day. The vocabulary is rich in this book, and to make things even better, the narrator or one of the characters defines harder words for the reader which is why I recommend this book. Megara G
Frank, A. (1993). The Diary Of a Young Girl, Anne Frank. New York: Batam Books
Grades 6 and up. The story of Anne Frank speaks to people everywhere. During World War 2, her family was driven into hiding from Hitler’s German army for being Jewish. Throughout the horrors of war, Anne wrote about the experience of her family’s ordeal hidden with others in a small area, little food, and the need to be quite most of the day. Anne grew older and wiser than many people twice her age. Reader’s connect to this young lady, learning with her words the need for tolerance. Megara G
Keyes, D. (2004). Flowers for Algernon. New York: Harvest
Grade level 9-12, Lexile 910L. Charlie makes friends with a lab mouse named Algernon. A scientist has been given the go ahead to do the same experiment on a human subject that he had done to Algernon, making him a super smart mouse. Charlie, being mentally retarded, volunteers hoping to get smart. At first things work out as Charlie hoped, but as he got smarter, he grew unhappy realizing that people he thought were his friends were using him for their sad amusement. Charlie is then faced with the thinkable, Algernon was quickly becoming a dumb again and that his fate would be the same. I recommend this book due to the moral messages it explores and the emotions it reviles in the reader. Megara G
Burnett, H. (1998) The Secret Garden, New York: Harper Trophy
Age Level: 8 and up, Grade Level: 3 and up. Mary Lennox is sent to live with her Uncle on the Yorkshire moors when she is orphaned. She hears the strange moaning of someone at night down one of the long corridors of the mansion. I the yard of the house she meets a boy named Dickon. He seems to have a magical effect on animals. One day, Mary discovers a secret garden that appears dead do to neglect. She works to bring it back to life and does more than she dreamed. I recommend this book for its historic value. It also empowers children to make changes in there own lives. Megara G.
Dickens, C. (2001) Great Expectations. Dover: Dover Publications
Reading level: Ages 12 and up Grade Level: 7 Up. A country boy named Pip falls into a chain of events that allow him to raise his social standings. In London, he tries to be a proper gentleman bringing him into contact with the upper class and criminals. His desire to improve himself is matched only by his longing for the icy-hearted Estella, a woman raise to break the heart of all men. I with always recommend the classic’s and you can’t get more classic than Dickens. Due to the time it is written, it also has historic value. The overall message to be happy as you are is a universal theme. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1961) The Lorax.: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up Grade level: 1 and up. English. This story teaches about caring for the earth’s resources with the unordinary illustrations of Dr. Seuss and his unorthodox rhymes. The story of The Lorax can be related to by people of all ages due to its important message. Like all of Dr Seuss books, I recommend it for its rhyming to reach phonic awareness. Megara G
Dr. Seuss. (1990), Oh the Places You’ll Go. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age 6 and up Grade level: 1 and up. English. This book I feel is aimed at an older audience. It is full of Dr. Seuss’s wit and rhyme but also full of life lessons. He warns about the pitfalls you can fall in only to pull you out triumphantly. It has become a favored graduation gift due to the advise and clever delivery of his message than as long as you don’t get stuck, you will succeed in your life, 98 ¾ guaranteed. With its message to the readers and the rhymes, blends and phonemic awareness, I recommend this book. Megara G
Baylor, B. (1995). I'm in Charge of Celebrations New York: Aladdin Picture Books
Grade level: 1-4. English. This story is about a girl who lives in the desert. While many may find the desert to be a inhospitable place, she loves the environment. She was put herself in charge of
celebrations about the environment around her. Dust devils and coyote day celebrations are some of her celebrations in this story with the unique illustration style of Peter Parnall. The positive message of this story is endearing and helps the reader to look at the desert with different eyes. This is one of the reasons I recommend this book. Baylor’s prose poem style is a good vehicle for beginning readers. Megara G
Bruchac, J. (2006). Code talker: A novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two. New York, NY: Speak.
Amazon: Ages 10 and up. Booklist: Grade level: 6-9. English. Recommended because it is an introduction to "another" American culture.
This begins as the sickening story about Native Americans who were abused in “Indian schools” and taught that their language and culture was vulgar and wicked. Secretly, they kept their language alive. Unbelievably, these Native American youth were willing to enlist for the United States in WWII, despite the systematic manhandling of their people over decades of U.S. history. Their “secret” language became a secret weapon against Axis forces as the Navajo language provided a code for radio communications that was never cracked. In addition to the military value of the Navajo language, the book’s character finds strength to deal with the brutality of war in the values of Navajo culture. This book shows courage and dignity even in the face of adversity and racism. Meg C.
Bunting, E. (1996). S.O.S. Titanic. Boston, MA: Graphia.
Amazon: Ages 12 and up. Grade level: 6-9. 690L. English. Recommended because it explores the idea of class and how it affects human relationships.
Eve Bunting isn’t afraid to take on challenging topics in her books for children and adolescents (an example is Smoky Night about the L.A. Riots). In S.O.S. Titanic, Eve addresses the issues of class and gender in the early 1900s. The tale of the magnificent “unsinkable” Titanic is given another wrinkle with a strange ship’s steward who claims a special link to the supernatural; this adds to the appeal for early adolescent readers. Who should get the opportunity for a lifeboat seat when there aren’t enough for all of the passengers? What happens to passengers in third class steerage? Who will live and who will die? Read S.O.S. Titanic to find out! Meg C.
Creech, S. (2002). The wanderer. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
830L. English. Newberry Honor Book. Recommended because of the universal message for adolescents struggling to become who they are.
Sophie, at 13, joins her cousins and uncles for a trip in a sailboat across the Atlantic Ocean, from Connecticut to England. The book is written in log form (appropriate for persons at sea, right?) but alternates between entries by Sophie and entries by Cody. Sophie and the rest of the crew face many weather and human interaction challenges and finally almost certain death. Gradually, readers begin to piece together Sophie’s life before her relatively recent adoption and why her adoptive parents were skeptical of her making this trip. Inside the hearts and minds of both female and male protagonists, Creech offers readers of both genders what they often seem to want during adolescence—a story about someone they recognize (as well as an adventure that is perhaps quite different from their everyday lives). Meg C.
Crowe, C. (2003). Getting away with murder. New York, NY: Dial
Booklist: Grade 7-12. 1210L. English. Recommended because it also introduces the reader to another side of American culture. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
This book, intended for students in 7th grade or older does not pull any punches in its graphic description of the case of Emmett Till. In 1954, while visiting relatives in Mississippi, Emmett supposedly whistled at a white woman, maybe to show off for his cousins and friends. A few days later, white men appeared at the family home where Emmett was staying and dragged him away from the house. Later, Emmett’s body was found floating in the Tallahatchie River. Crowe gives the readers the terrifying details of Emmett’s torture and the backlash his death caused in the civil rights movement in the U.S. Mamie Till Mobley insisted that her son’s body be laid out in open view and that photographs be taken and circulated so that the world could see what heinous racism has wrought. Emmett Till’s murder was a galvanizing factor in the already begun battle for African American civil rights. Black and white photos in the book help the reader understand why. Meg C.
Durrant, L. (2006). My last skirt: The story of Jennie Hodgers, Union soldier. Boston, MA: Clarion Books.
Booklist: Grades 5-8. 760L. English. Recommended because it challenges the reader's ideas about gender.
Perhaps you have read stories about women who shared in battle accidentally or, due to circumstances, temporarily played a man’s role in the military. This book is about an Irish girl and then immigrant to the U.S. who realizes she can make a better living as a boy and then man. While Jennie is living as a man, Albert Cashier, her male friends enlist to serve in the Civil War. Without looking wimpy, what choice does she have but to enlist as well? Jennie serves for years as a Union solder and then lives the rest of her life as a man, perhaps due to having lost the love of her life during the war or because it remained the case that she could earn a better living as a man. This book offers insight into the time period in which women’s choices were limited as well as the rigors and miseries of war and societal expectations about gender (Jennie always kept a shaving cup and razor out to keep up appearances). Meg C.
Gratz, A. (2008). Samurai shortstop. New York, NY: Speak.
School Library Journal: Grades 7 and up. 790L. English. Recommended because it is a fine introduction to Japanese culture from the turn of the century through adolescent eyes.
Boys in skirts. Women considered beautiful because their teeth are blackened and their facial skin whitened. School officials who look the other way or even condone competitive brutality and hazing at a residential school for adolescent males. What is this world? This is the world of 1890s Tokyo. A world caught between the eons of tradition represented by the emperor and the samurai and a force of change sweeping the world toward modernism. Toyo struggles to find his place in this fractured context and to understand his family members, particularly his uncle (who has committed suicide) and his father (who has not), and his own role. The frat-like behavior in the residential school and Toyo’s own development as a baseball (besuboru in Japanese) player. Toyo finds dignity and honor, similar to that of his samurai ancestors, in the strength and integrity it takes to play the game and compete for the nation. Meg C.
Johnson, A. (2010). Heaven. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
School Library Journal: Grades 6-9. 790L. English. Coretta Scott King Award.
Johnson explores what is means to be a member of a family and who really are your family members. Marley, who is 14, receives a shock when she gets information that seems to show that her parents are not, in fact, her parents. As she seeks information and tries to come to grips with her identity, a weighty job for any 14-year-old, she is doubly challenged as all of the important facts in her life seem to be lies. She is even finds out that her best friend’s family, which seems so perfect, has its own issues, revealed by her friend’s cutting habit. When things are not what they seem, what are they? Readers usually love figuring that out alongside Marley. Meg C.
L’Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Amazon: Ages 9-12. 740L. English. This is a classic in the science fiction genre. Available in Braille from American Printing House for the Blind.
This classic book is a gripping tale about a family of very bright children who have particular talents and a battle for the health of the planet and the triumph of love. Meg Murray is the main character and she is an awkward adolescent whose faults and gifts allow her to play a pivotal role in saving her father’s life. Her little brother, Charles Wallace, is a savant. Both Meg and Charles Wallace, as well as Meg’s friend Calvin, will help gifted readers accept their own gifts and find solace in the challenges of being smart and trying to live a worthy life. Meg’s parents, both scientists, also stand for the value of being an intellectual, which can be a great comfort in today’s world that seems to denigrate intellect. Meg and Charles Wallace meet a series of supernatural characters, bend time and travel through space to the planet of Camezotz, where they must battle the evil IT which embodies hate and defeat IT to save their father. Meg C.
Montgomery, L. M. (1909). Anne of Green Gables. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Amazon: Age 10 and up. 550L. English. Available in Spanish (Anne, La De Tejados Verdes). This is a classic about the inner life of a gifted girl. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
This book is an exquisite classic and introduces readers to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Prince Edward Island, off of the coast of Canada in the Atlantic Ocean. Anne is an orphan who has been misused by families who only take her from the orphanage for free labor. Finally, she thinks she has a chance for a real family but it turns out that the unmarried brother and sister who run a farm really intended to adopt a boy. They finally relent and keep Anne. She is a passionate and bright girl whose imagination both frustrates and entertains her new caregivers. Anne helps readers believe in their own intellects and value of imagination as she finds her way through many scrapes and into the hearts of her caregivers and makes a best friend, much to her delight. Meg C.
Paulsen, G. (2006). Hatchet. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
School Library Journal: Grades 8-12. 1020L. English. Available in Spanish (El haca). Newberry Honor Book. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
Gary Paulsen is a male writer truly appreciated by male readers. That is not to say that girls won’t read or enjoy Hatchet, but that reluctant male readers might finally get hooked by reading. Fortunately, Paulsen not only has more books to slake a new thirst but he is a responsive author; he wrote a sequel for Hatchet and, upon hearing from fans that they were not satisfied with the sequel, crafted an alternative sequel! Hatchet is the story of an adolescent, burdened with family conflicts and disappointments, who is being flown in a small aircraft to visit his father for a period of time. However, Brian never arrives because the pilot dies in-flight and the aircraft crashes in remote woods. Brian, who is the ultimate urban kid, has to figure out how to survive alone in the woods, with few tools except, you knew it, a hatchet. This is compelling stuff! Meg C.
Philbrick, R. (2001). Freak the mighty. New York, NY: Scholastic.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 1000L. English. Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor. New York Charlotte Award. Recommended because of its sensitive view of disabilities.
Rodman Philbrick is a wonderful writer, especially for reluctant boy readers. Even those who hate to read find themselves lured in by the two main characters of this book. Max, a large boy who has learning disabilities and a troubled past with a dead mother and jailed father (readers find out that his father killed his mother), lives with his grandparents (he calls them Gram and Grim) who aren’t quite sure what to do with him. Kevin, called a freak because of his small stature and big vocabulary, lives with his mother and has Morquio Syndrome. Having spent a short time together in preschool, Kevin and Max are reunited and become fast friends and the incomparable duo of Freak the Mighty. They face significant challenges, including Max’s kidnapping by his escaped convict father and Kevin’s worsening physical condition with good humor and bravery. The sequel, Max the Mighty, is also terrific. Students with disabilities will identify with the characters. Meg C.
Robinet, H. G. (2002). Walking to the bus rider blues. New York, NY: Aladdin.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 550L. English. Jane Addams Award Honor Book. Recommended because of its illumination American history through adolescent eyes.
Harriett Gillem Robinet is an African-American grandmother who lives in Oak Park, IL. She writes for children in grades 4-6 and her best books are historical fiction. Interestingly, she also adds a mystery twist to these historical fictions. This book focuses on Alfa who is African American and who lives with his sister, Zinnia, and his great-grandmother, Big Mama. The reader doesn’t find out all of the information about why these two children live not with their mother, not even with their grandmother, but with their great-grandmother but it is clear that they have faced real hardships. Hardships continue not just in the fact that young Alfa has to work but that some of the customers at the grocers don’t disguise their disdain and even disgust with his race. Big Mama faces many indignities as a cleaning woman for white homeowners. Now, six months after Rosa Parks sparked a revolt, all of the black residents in Montgomery, AL, are boycotting the bus system. This adds even more to their burdens, making travel more time-consuming and exhausting. Despite these challenges—and more (poverty, theft from their shack home)—Alfa does his best to keep his principles and help his sister and Big Mama. Meg C.
Scieszka, J. (2004). Knights of the kitchen table. New York, NY: Puffin.
Kirkus Reviews: Ages 8-12. 630L. English. New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award. Recommended because it is a great book for reluctant boy readers.
Jon Scieszka is a hilarious writer and he brings his madcap humor to the series of books about the Time Warp Trio, three friends who find adventure by opening a special book that allows them to travel through time and without which they cannot return. In this entry of the series, as you may have guessed, Sam, Joe, and Fred visit the time of Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. All of the books in this series consist of 10 chapters and are somewhat predictable in story line. They are also written at a lower grade level than some of the other books recommended in this bibliography. This can be an asset to below-grade-level readers who still don’t want to read “baby” books. Scieszka’s humor and the brave and loyal camaraderie of these resourceful boys will appeal to struggling readers and they will gain historical background information about this time period of world history. Meg C.
Speare, E. G. (2011). Witch of Blackbird Pond. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
School Library Journal: Grades 5-8. 850L. English. Newberry Medal. Recommended because it, too, highlights subsets of American historical culture, in this case, Quakerism. Available in large print from American Printing House for the Blind.
Imagine a time when being Christian wasn’t enough for other Christians. Failing to subscribe to the majority ideal of which Christian church was a reason for persecution by people who had left their European homelands to escape the persecution that they themselves had experienced there. In this story, which takes place in the time of the Salem witch hunts, Hannah is a Quaker and that is very suspicious and unacceptable to her neighbors. She cannot live in the town and is relegated to the outskirts. Into this setting comes Kit, a free-spirit who was raised in the colorful, tropical, leisurely life of the Barbados with an intellectual and indulgent grandfather. When Kit’s grandfather dies, she must join family members she has never met in the grim, colorless, humorless life of constant work of early New England settlers. Kit is often in trouble with the expectations of the community and finds a friend in the quiet pacifist Hannah. The young woman and the older woman face crises in this story, each finding a different kind of freedom by the end of the book. Meg C.
Taylor, C. (1992). The house that crack built. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
School Library Journal: Age 5 and up. (I disagree! Much more sophisticated content. I say Age 9 and up.) English. Recommended because it is a genre-bender and connects South and Latin America to North America.
This disarmingly deceiving “picture book” uses surreal art as part of its message, distorting the familiar children’s rhyme about the House That Jack Built. The poem is used to tell the story of farmers that work in the heat to grow a crop that people can’t eat and how it ends up in the hands of gangs that are fleet and elite and drives even young mothers to ignore their babies in favor of crack. This book is a genre bender with its lilting rhyme but serious message about deadly drug use and distribution. Middle school children like the straight shooting narrative. Librarians classify the books in a variety of ways. I have seen the book in juvenile nonfiction, juvenile fiction, and young adult sections of various libraries. Meg C.
Obregon, J.M. (2008). Ronaldinho. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the Brazillian soccer star Ronaldinho.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English,Spanish ( Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2008). Cristiano Ronaldo. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Book Level: 2.8
Language: English, Spanish ( Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2008). David Beckham. New York, NY: The Rosen Group.
A biography of the English soccer star David Beckham.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English,Spanish (Bilingual Book)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dellepiane, A. & Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry Potter and the sorcercer’s stone / Harry Potter y la piedra filosofol. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Emece Publications.
Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.
Book level: 6.6
Pages: 254 pages
(Angelo Annoreno)
Sinon, S. (2007). Planets Around the Sun / Planetas Alrededor Del Sol. San Fransisco, California: Chronical Books.
Vivid pictures and interesting facts define this easy-reader survey. Each spread gives a brief physical description of a planet (the moon and asteroids are covered as well) and provides an interesting piece of trivia pertaining to it. Colorful close-up photographs of the planets are superb; brief accessible text.
Book Level K - 3.3
Language: Spanish
(Angelo Annoreno)
Bruzzone, C. (2000). Puppy Finds a Friend / Le Petit Chien Se Trouve Un Ami.Hauppauge. California: Barron's Educational Series.
Color-illustrated picture books entertain with funny stories while they teach children the fundamentals of French. On each page, the story is in French and English.
Reading level: Ages Pre K and up
Language: English / French (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Gonzalez, L. (2009). The Bossy Gallito / El Gallo De Bodas. New York, NY: Scholastic Publications.
This is a bilingual rendition. A cocky little rooster sets out to attend the wedding of his uncle, but dirties his beak on the path. He asks in turn for help, from the grass, a goat, a stick, a fire, and the water, until he finally thinks of asking the Sun, who aids him in reward for his daily morning wake-up crowing. The pictures are as bright and sassy.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: Spanish English (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Lomba, A. (2005). Little Red Riding Hood / Le Petit Chaperon Rouge. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Publications.
This book presents the classic fairy tale side-by-side in French and English. The story of the little girl and the big bad wolf is vibrantly illustrated, allowing children to connect the meanings of words to pictures, reinforcing their comprehension of French vocabulary.
It presents an engaging reading of Little Red Riding Hood in both English and French that will entertain kids while they hear correct French pronunciation. You can read along with the narration or learn along with your kids!
Language: English /French (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
White, E.B. (1997). Le Toile de Charlotte/Charlotte’s Web. Paris, France: Neuf en poche: l'ecole des loisirs,
E. B. White tells the memorable story of Wilbur, a little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever friend Charlotte and their chatty animal neighbors. As the runt of the litter, Wilbur struggles to survive from the very beginning.
Lessons of friendship, loyalty, and truth bind this story together and show readers that friends come in all shapes and sizes.
Illustrations by the artist bring to life these lovable characters.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: French
( Angelo Annoreno)
Silverstein, S. (1995) L'Arbre Genereux / The Giving Tree. Paris, France: Ecole des Loisirs
Reading level: 2.7
Language: French
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dahl, R. (2007). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Charlie Et La Chocolaterie. New York, NY: Contemporary French Fiction
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a singular delight, crammed with mad fantasy.
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: French
(Angelo Annoreno)
Obregon, J.M. (2009). Lionel Messi. New York, NY: Powerkids Press
A biography of the Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi.
Book Level: 2.7
Language: English , Spanish (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Kinney, J. (2008). Diario de Greg / Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Spanish Edition). Lyndhurst NJ: Lectorum Publications
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Language: Spanish
(Angelo Annoreno)
Suess, Dr. (1967). El gato en el sombrero / The Cat In The Hat. New York, NY: Random House Books for Young Readers.
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Language: English/Spanish (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
C.L. Garza (2005). Family Pictures / Cuadros de Familia. Children's Book Press.
Family Pictures is the story of The author's girlhood background: celebrating birthdays, making tamales, finding a hammerhead shark on the beach, picking cactus, going to a fair in Mexico, and confiding to her sister her dreams of becoming an artist, Traditional Mexican American culture. Vivid illustrations reflect the author's strong sense of family and community.
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Language: Spanish / English (Dual Language)
(Angelo Annoreno)
Dorros, A. (1997). Abuela, New York, NY: Puffin Publications.
Age level: 5+; English with Spanish Phrases. Students that believe in fantasy and imagination will love to read about this young girl’s adventure in the sky. This story is loved by all children as they learn Spanish phrases during the story. I love the theme of family because most children can relate to having outings with their grandparents. (Letitia S.)
Soto, G. (1996). Too Many Tamales New York: Puffin.
Age level: 4-6; Great book that helps introduce family traditions and holidays in a fun way. Students like the story and appreciate the fun plot. Teachers like it because they can use it to teach comprehension skills such as plot and theme as well as prediction. (Letitia S.)
Soto, G. (2002). Fearless Fernie New York: Putnam Juvenile.
Age Level: 10+ Middle schoolers will love reading about their experiences in poetry form. With many kids laughing and reading with Diary of Wimpy Kid, Mr Soto’s book should sit right next to it on the shelf. These poems will help the reluctant reader join in the ‘preteen’ discussion. I love that poems have interesting topics as well as nonthreatening flow for reluctant readers. (Letitia S.)
Kuklin, S. (1998). How My Family Lives in America. New York: Aladdin Books.
Age Level: 4-7; When students are from other cultures and areas they sometimes feel like an outsider, but this book shows that their differences are to be celebrated not hidden. The photographs will help the ELL students with oral language skills as many discussions can occur during and after reading this book. Main theme: acceptance. (Letitia S.)
Joseph, L. (200). Color of My Words. Age Level: 12+ Do you love the power of words as I do? Then follow twelve year old Ana Rosa is a writer growing up in the Dominican Republic when words were feared. Rosa spends much of the story writing her family experiences and all the political turmoil and family struggles. This is an interesting book and reads like poetry instead of narrative. This book uses some Spanish words and quotations so that it is an easy book to use with different levels of EL students. (Letitia S.)
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. (1984) Age Level: 13+ My niece read this in class and I enjoyed the dinner conversations that followed. This book is teen approved. It’s a group of poetic vignettes that capture the story of Esperanza and her siblings who live in poverty in a Hispanic Chicago neighborhood. A classic book about Latinos in the U.S., and one whose lyrical language and accessible experiences will draw in middle school and high school readers. (Letitia S.)
Hoberman, M. (2001). You Read to Me I Read to You. New York: Cahners Business Information, Inc. Age level: 7-8; Reading Level: Emergent readers; English and some Spanish. This book is a delightful way for kids and adults alike to enjoy rhythm, rhyme and poetry. Hoberman uses short stories and cute illustrations to have readers interact with each other in a fun way. Each stanza is written in different colors so that readers can enjoy two voices to points of views that make reading fun. I recommend this book for its simple vocabulary and repetition. It’s been known to draw in even the most reluctant reader until they are hooked! (Letitia S.)
Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading Level: Beginner; English and Spanish. Students are thrilled to see a book come to life. It is wordless book so it lends itself to kids on all reading levels. The illustrations show the mystery and fun that develop in the plot of the book. Students will have fun finding the contextual clues while ‘coauthoring’ the book with their own words. Teachers and parents alike love watching the plot unravel. Very entertaining. (Letitia, S.)
Ada, Alma Flor.(2002) I Love Saturdays and Domingos. Age Level: Gr. Pre-3 On Saturdays, the young narrator visits her Grandma and Grandpa. On domingos, or Sundays, she visits Abuelito y Abuelita. The story shows the differences between the sets of grandparents—but highlights the continuity of the love that is shared. A final spread shows her whole family coming together—including grandparents, parents, and cousins, to celebrate the narrator’s birthday. The text does a nice job of portraying the two cultures—Spanish vocabulary is especially well-integrated--and this will appeal to children who are from bicultural backgrounds, or who love spending time with their grandparents. Bouncy, energetic watercolor spot illustrations in bright colors bring the text to life. (Letitia S.)
Coppola, J. (2009). One Classroom Many Learners: Best Literacy Practices for Today’s Multilingual Classrooms. All ELL Teachers Awesome reading and sound research for the EL teachers. The resources range from the primary teacher to the high school teacher. It reads from the eyes of the advocate and educator of the EL student. Nice read and very informative. (Letitia S.)
Lane, K. (2007). Come Look At Me. All Ages. Charlesbridge: New York. All Ages
“Interactive Beauty” is the best way to describe this book. Students are able to use their strong visual skills and background knowledge to explore art. Their imagination will run wild as they use art from the Latin culture. Teachers will love the dialogue that this book will inspire. There are also questions that help to guide that dialogue. (Letitia S.)
Lilly, M. (1999). Song of the Sun. Rourke: New York. Age: 12+
Art meets literature. Students will now be able to read the tales and myths in English class with another view. This book helps EL students see stories told of their cultures. Teachers can help to guide student’s critical comprehension skills in a fun way. Nice way to compare and contrast text.
(Letitia S.)
Krull, K. (2003). Harvesting Hope. Harcourt: New York Age: 10+
Well many students have heard of Martin Luther King Jr. it’s great to see a wonderful book of Cesar Chavez. This book has nice illustrations to help the EL learner better grasp the rich social studies concepts and vocabulary that the author uses. Nice read aloud for the middle school teacher.
(Letitia S.)
Sonia Sotomayer: A Judge Grows in the Bronx. (2009). Atheneum: New York Age: Grades K-3
I was sold after seeing the illustrations. I will be using this book for Women's History Month. This book gets praise for English and Spanish translations and themes such as family, pride and perseverance-- all character traits that make exceptional reading. As the Common Core Standards bring more nonfiction to the American classrooms, EL students can use books such as this one with illustrations and captions, to help them to better digest literary concepts while using a story of a phenomenal person with an inspirational story. (Letitia S.)
Montes,M. (2001). A Crazy Mixed Up Spanglish Day Scholastic: New York Grades 3rd -5th
Maritza Gabriela Morales Mercado (Gabi for short) has big problemas. Her worst enemy, Johnny Wiley, is driving her crazy. He makes fun of her name. I thought of this being a great compliment to Kevin Henkis Crysanthamum. Students are often teased for the way that they speak this will open the doors for conversations about that social issue. (Letitia, S.)
Seedlings.org has 12/15 of my books available in Braille. I have included the item number for their website if this is an option: (K Seguin)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Judith Viorst, item 8524. Anything that can go bad in a day happens, but it will put a smile on anyone's face. (K Seguin)
Polar Express. Chris Van Allsburg, item 317. Magical train ride to the North Pole and a classic that is one of my favorites to dream along with. (K Seuin)
Goodnight Moon. Margaret Wise Brown, item 836. My absolute favorite book that has repetition, basic pictures with a hidden mouse and a good timeless book. (K Seguin)
Butterfly Kisses. Sandra Magsamen, item 9803. Cute, rhyming, feel-good story with a finger puppet. (K Seguin)
That's Not My Puppy. Fiona Watt, item 9812. Find the right matching puppy- good for picture recognition and conversation. (K Seguin)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Matin, item 807. Great for learning animal names and color words. (K Seguin)
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed. Eileen Christelow, item 890. Lean ow to count and it is a fun song to sing. (K Seguin)
The Very Hungry Caerpillar. Eric Cale, item 893. Learn days of the week, how to count, food names and how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. (K Seguin)
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Judi Barrett, item 343. Funny story about raining food- students can talk about their favorite food and the food in the story, which includes the main food we eat in the US. (K Seguin)
Frog and Toad are Friends. Arnold Lovel, item 302. Accepting differences in friends. (K Seguin)
Where The Sidewalk Ends. Shel Silverstein, item 262. Funny poems that inspire the imagination. (K Seguin)
The Cat in The Hat. Dr. Seuss, item 8530. Imaginary and incredible events. (K Seguin)
Green Eggs and Ham. Dr. Seuss, item 8531. Message: do not be afraid to try new things and things are not always as they seem. (K Seguin)
Great resources: (K Seguin)
An Introduction to Braille Mathematics. Helen Roberts, isbn 0844401900. Based on Nemeth Code for Math and Science. (K Seguin)
Braille for The Sighted. S Harold Collins, Kifer and Schneider, isbn 0931993954. (K Seguin)
Instructional Strategiesfor Braille Literacy. Diane P Wormsley and Frances D'Andrea, isbn 0891289364. Creative strategies and methods for teaching Braille. (K Seguin)
(All Aboard Poetry Reader) Grasshopper Pie and other Poems-
Steinburg, D. & Illustrated Sinnott, A. (2004). All aboard poetry reader: Grasshopper pie and other poems. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap
These great funny short poems are a good way to get young readers laughing. These poems are also a good way to teach rhymes and word families. I have read these poems aloud for my students while reviewing rhyming words. We also changed some of the beginning sounds on some of the rhyming words to review beginning sounds. Stories are really fun and enjoyable.
Tracy Harper #1
Goldilocks and the Three Hares-
Petach, H. (1995). Goldilocks and the three hares. New York, NY: Putnam & Grosset.
We know of the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears but this version gives another take on the story. There are some similarties but also some humorous differences as well. It's great for teaching comparing and contrasting. Students love to discuss how the bears and hares are alike and different. It's a good idea to get a copy of the original story before this one is introduced.
Tracy Harper #2
Testing Miss Malarkey-
Finchler, J & Illustrated by: O'Malley, K. (2003). Testing miss Malarkey. New York, NY: Walker Books for Young Readers
Standardized test can make everyone in the school crazy, at least that's what this story says. In this story students prepare for the "I.P.T.U" test and everyone is involved. The cafertia lady is serving brain food, the art teacher is showing how to feel in bubbles for the test and the gym teacher is teaching "yogurt"? The whole time Miss Malarkey is stressing out. My third graders loved and really related to this story. Most teachers read this story to their class as a way to unwind and calm down before the I.S.A.T. I think it 's good for staff and students to know their not alone in this situation.
Tracy Harper #3
Cool Dog, School Dog-
Heiligman, D. & Illustrated by Bowers, T. (2009). Cool dog, school dog. New York, NY: Marshall Cavendish Children Book
This is a rhyming story that tells how a dog got a chance to go to school and how he helps students now that he's there. A Very cute story and a great read-aloud. I mainly read this to my younger students but older kids enjoy it as well. It is a good book for students to learn and recognize rhymes.
Tracy Harper #4
Tar Beach-
Ringgold, F. (1996). Tar beach. New York, NY: Dragonfiy; Dragonfly Books ED. Education
Tar Beach is all about Cassie Louis Lightfoot, a third grader who can fly. As the story takes you through her dreams or wishes for her family she flies over the Wasington Bridge that her father help to build. This story is very enchanting. It is a great story to help students learn to use their imagination and visualize. The illustrations are also very beautiful.
Tracy Harper #5
Shout! Little Poems that Roar
Bagert, B. & Illustrated by Yoshikawa, S. (2007). Shout! little poems that roar. New York, NY: Dail
Poems are a great way to teach word families and you can take your pick of poems when using this book. Teddy Bear is a story about a dad, The Spice of LIfe another poem is mainly about ketchup and my favorite is Big Fat Hen which teaches counting. I have learned that kids will read things that are funny to them and these stories are a great way to get young readers reading.
Trach Harper #6
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From The Underground Railroad
Levine, E., & Nelson, K. (2007). Henry's freedom box: A true story of the underground railroad. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
This is the story of Henry Brown who was born in slavery but escaped to freedom. Henry who was stripped of his parents as a boy and later stripped of his wife and children. As an adult he seeks freedom by mailing himself in a wooden box. This is a good story for teaching kids the harsh reality that was slavery. I also have this book on DVD and this is one of the stories we talk about during Black History Month.
Tracy Harper #7
The Great Kapok Tree-
Cherry, L. (2000). The great kapok tree. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
This is the story of a man who is tried from cutting down trees and decides to rest in the rainforest. While sleeping different animals come to him and beg him not to cut down the tree and explain it's importance. This is wonderful story for teaching the importance of saving the rainforest and also for discussing different animals that live in the rainforest. My studentsin the past have enjoyed this story and are usually asking what they can do to save the rain forest after the book has been read.
Tracy Harper #8
How I Spent My Summer Vacation-
Teague, M. (1998). How I spent my summer vacation. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books
In this story while every other kid was fishing with dad or playing video games Wallace Bleff spends his in the wild wild west, or so he tells it. This is the first story in our reader when we come back from summer vacation and it always gets big laughs and starts kids to talking about their own summer vacations. After this story students usually write a report about their own summer vacation. Teacher sometimes also talk a little about their summer vacations to get students talking.
Tracy Harper #9
Dancing In The Wings-
Allen, D. (2000). Dancing in the wings. New York, NY: Dail Books
One of my Personal Favorites. This is the story of a girl named Sassy. Sassy is taller than the rest of the girls in her ballet class and treated differently because of it. But, when a famous director comes looking for talent she proves that she has what it takes and uses her size to her advantage. Wonderful for teaching differences and being proud of who you are. This story also gives young readers a chance to think about the arts and extra activities that they might be interested in.
Tracy Harper #10
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs-
Barrett, J., & Barrett, R. (1982). Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. New York, NY: Aladdin
This was another story that we use to have in our reading series and I believed that we taught realism and fantasy along with this story. In this tale food falls from the sky. Which of course sounds good at first but quicky turns messy and dangerous. A lot of teachers usually tie this into a writing assignment and have the students write about what they would like to have fall form the sky.
Tracy Harper #11
Snowmen at Night-
Buehner, C., & Buehner, M. (2002). Snowmen at night. New York, NY: Dail
On the New York Times best seller list. I've read this story many times and I just found that out. However, l love the story and it makes perfect sense that it is on a best seller list. It ask the question, what do snowmen do at night? According to this story they do a lot. This is a rhyming story that explores imaginary snowmen. This book is filled with great pictures that young students in my classes have loved. A great story for teaching rhymes and realism and fantasy.
Tracy Harper #12
Martin's Big Words-
Rappaport, D., & Collier, B. (2001). Martin's big words. New York, NY: Jump At The Sun
A great way to introduce young readers to the life of the great civil rights leader. This story has terrific pictures and takes the reader on a journey through his life. A great story to read during the King holiday, Black History Month or anytime of year. This story is great for teaching nonviolence, fairness and compassion.
Tracy Harper #13
"Giggle Fit" Silly Knock- Knocks-
Illustrated by Harpster, S., & Rosenbloom, J. (2002). Giggle fit: Silly knock- knock. New York, NY: Sterling
From A-Z there are tons of funny knock-knock jokes. They are easy to read and understand. My students love this book. A lot of students who still don't yet like to read will read this book after a read aloud. They like to use the jokes on others. It's an easy fun read for young readers.
Tracy Harper #14
Lola at the Library-
McQuinn, A. & Beardshaw, R. (2006). Lola at the library. New York, NY: Charlesbridge Publishing
In this selection lola loaves Tuesday's because she gets to go to the library. She gets to check books out and listen to a story while she's there also. I have read this story to show my students the importance of visiting their community library with their parents. This story is good for showing students the process for checking out books at their local library.
Tracy Harper #15
In a Dark, Dark Room-
Schwartz, A., & Illustrator Zimmer, D.(1985). In a dark, dark room. New York, NY: Harper Trophy
These stories are a favorite with students. For students who like spooky stories this book has great tales. This is one that I'm asked to read more than any other book. One of the teacher's who just retired read it to me when I was her student and it quickly become one of my favorites when I was a student at the school too. Great for kids who like Goose Bumps and mysteries.
Tracy Harper #16
Montes. M. (2003). A Crazy, Mixed Up Spanglish Day
96 Pages, Ages 7+
This particular book/series involves a native Spanish speaker who goes to an English school and goes by two different names, 1 at home, 1 at school. This parallels the differences that students go through from one environment to another. The book uses a mix of Spanish and English, and illustrates the problems some EL students have communicating, even when being in the environment for a while. The girl, Gabi, gets so upset with a student that she keeps getting her Spanish and English mixed up and cant talk with her enemy/group partner. (Nickolas Gutierrez 1)
Barrett, J. (1978). Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
32 Pages
This book, besides from being a personal childhood favorite, is a very interesting and creative story. It involves many puns, which require knowledge of the language to get. It’s a fantasy tale that is perhaps just a little too young for the students, but it is a story that bridges such gaps very easily. (Nickolas Gutierrez 2)
Rowling, JK. (1999). Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Available in Braille and many languages
Around 320 Pages, Ages 9+
This book, besides from being a worldwide phenomenon and immensely popular, has been translated to 68 languages. The first book is a great stepping stone to a set of books that is quite advanced, yet remains simple enough in language to not lose younger readers. This recommendation also includes the entire series of books. It has won countless awards, and is known throughout the world. (Nickolas Gutierrez 3)
Juster, N. (1961). The Phantom Tollbooth
Available in Braille and French
272 pages, Ages 10+
This book could be described as a simpler Alice in Wonderland. It has all of the fanciful ideas of the classic, but puts it in a more modern setting with a definite lean towards school. This can be seen the character Mathemagician, as well as the “Which” witch. This Which character uses a pun that explores the often confusing homophone. It is funny, engaging and links to language and math skills. (Nickolas Gutierrez 4)
Banks, L. (1982). The Indian in the Cupboard
Available in Braille
240 Pages, ages 9+
This book reflects the independence that many kids feel around this age. The main character Omri fends for himself largely, and has adventures with toys that are brought to life by his magic medicine cabinet. Honestly, this book does have a fair amount of stereotypes, but is also seeks to break them. (Nickolas Gutierrez 5)
Clements, A. (1998) Frindle
112 Pages, Ages 8+
This book explores how a word is created. The main character, in an act of passive aggression towards a mean English teacher, creates a new word for pen, “frindle” and outright refuses to call it anything else. He did this in an act of creativity because of an assignment given. Eventually the word frindle catches on to the rest of the students, to the point where stores changed the signs to say frindle, and eventually in college finds out that the word had been added to the dictionary. This book shows language development, independence and that even a kids actions matter in the world. (Nickolas Gutierrez 6)
Riordan, R. (2006). Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1, The Lightning Thief
Available in Braille and many languages
400 pages, Ages 10+
This book revolves around Greek mythology to tell a story of a typical tweenager who finds out he is a demi-god, a half human, half god. He is the son of Poseidon and is one of the most powerful demigods alive. Action pacted, piggy-backing off of the success of Harry Potter, still tells an interesting story interweaving greek myths and modern settings. The characters are very diverse and tell the story of the quest that all people go through, the quest for personal identity. (Nickolas Gutierrez 7)
Dahl, R. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Available in Braille and many languages
176 pages, Ages 7+
An absolute classic. Not sure if I really need to say more. An intriguing tale of a boy with nothing, though kindness of heart and purity eventually acquires everything he ever wanted for him and his family. (Nickolas Gutierrez 8)
Jacques, B. (1986) Redwall
Available in Braille and many languages
352 Pages, Ages 8+
This is the first book of a rather extensive fantasy series involving small animals, mostly rodents in a setting mirroring mideval Europe. The young awkward mouse Matthias must save Redwall Abbey from the evil Cluny, a rat. It has all the characteristics of an epic fantasy delivered in language that is appropriate for kids. It has a diverse cast of characters, with badgers, squirrels, mice, rates, voles, ferrets, birds cats and dogs. It discusses equality among the species, as well as some serious topics such as war and death, while still remaining as light hearted as possible. (Nickolas Gutierrez 9)
Coville, B. My Teacher is an Alien
128 pages
This book is just a silly tale where students find out that their teachers are aliens that are learning about them while teaching. Honestly nothing too deep here, but still quite entertaining and a quick read. (Nickolas Gutierrez 10)
Card, OS. (1985) Ender’s Game
Available in many languages
352 Pages, Ages 12+
This is among my absolute favorite books of all time. I have honestly read it at least 16 times from 6th grade to a few months ago. It is a little advanced for some students, but it still is an amazing story where kids are trained to fight aliens by batting each other in games and training for combat with video games. It starts out with a very intelligent 6 year old who is picked on at school, but is eventually drafted into Battle School. This book does involve death, but is fairly dark, but for the right kid it is absolutely perfect, a great bridge to more advanced Science Fictions series as they grow older. (Nickolas Gutierrez 11)
Paolini, C. (2003). Eragon
528 Pages, Ages 12+
Available in many languages
Again, this book may be a little advanced for some, but advanced readers interested in fantasy will feel right at home. This book was actually written by a student in high school, and the language reflects this. It is a tale with dragons and magic, and talks about the importance of words “All words are magic, but magic requires words”. It deals with people trying to communicate with others in different languages, and has all of the basic fantasy trappings. (Nickolas Gutierrez 12)
Carroll, L. (1865). Alice in Wonderland
Available in Braille and many languages
100 pages, ages 10+
Classic. Don’t need to say anything else. (Nickolas Gutierrez 13)
Seskin, S. (2002). Don’t Laugh at Me
32 Pages, ages 6+
A short little book with great artwork celebrating the differences between individuals, including having glasses and speaking with an accent. A great, short beginners book. (Nickolas Gutierrez 14)
Gaiman, N. (2010). The Graveyard Book
336 pages, ages 10+
This book is a little dark. Its about a kid who lives in a graveyard, raised by ghosts. The title and the rest of the story is a play off of “The Jungle Book”, in so much as a child is being raised by things that would normally not raise the, or in this case, even exist. It starts out with gruesome scene where the main characters parents are murdered, but the 18-month baby escapes to a graveyard and is adopted by ghosts. The ghosts are quirky and funny, and the tone of the book after the gruesome opener stays more in a kid friendly range. (Nickolas Gutierrez 15)
Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Amulet Books.
226 pages, ages 8-13, English. This mimics the life of an average, awkward high school student. The book is written in diary form and includes images and the narrator's handwriting and personal vignettes. The story includes typical adolescent experiences in typical adolescent language. Most young readers can relate to any of the narrator's trials and tribulations, which makes it an enjoyable read for all. (Krieger 1)
Munsch, R. & McGraw, S. (1995). Love You Forever. Ontario: Firefly Books Ltd.
32 pages, ages 1 and up, English. This book is for young readers. It is repetitive so it can be helpful for readers just learning English. It can also be a nice book to share with a family because it touches on unconditional love of a child by a parent. (Krieger 2)
Burgess, T.W. & Cady, H.(1998). The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad. Bennington: Flying Chipmunk Publishing.
32 pages, ages 8 and up. This book is one in a series of classic children’s books about Mr. Toad and his friends. Mr. Toad learns lessons about nature and the environment and descriptive pictures accompany the text. The images along with the easier words make this a great read for young readers. (Krieger 3)
Edne, M. (1993). The Neverending Story. New York: Puffin.
448 pages, ages 10 and up, English. This book is interesting because it combines real life with science fiction, adventure, and fantasy. A young boy named Bastian becomes immersed in the world of the book he is reading. Not only does the book encourage reading, it is exciting and fast paced. There is an accompanying movie that students could watch as they read the novel. (Krieger 4)
Lois, Lowry (1993). The Giver. New York: Random House Inc.
208 pages, ages 12 and up, English. Jonas lives in a utopian society. He selected by the Giver for special training, during which he learns that not everything is as it seems. While this book may seem too deep for young readers, if taught correctly it can be paralleled to student’s lives. (Krieger 5)
Kogawa, J. (1983). Obasan. New York: Anchor Books.
250 pages, English. The author recounts her experience as a Japanese-Canadian during World War II after Pearl Harbor. The hardships she went through mirrors those of Japanese-Americans who were interned after Japan attacked America in 1941. This would be an excellent read for older ESL students because they can tie their previously learned history information to the narrative. (Krieger 6)
Lee, H. (1988). To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Grand Central Publishing.
281 pages, 12 and up, English. A timeless classic, TKAM tells the story of a white family in the South struggling to decide whether to fight for justice in a racist society. This is an excellent book to read individually or in a classroom setting. Young minority students can relate and see the parallels in their lives. (Krieger 7)
Dahl, R. (1970). Fantastic Mr. Fox. New York: Puffin.
81 pages, all ages, English. This story tells about the fantastic Mr. Fox, who outsmarts and outwits three unlikeable farmers. It is a tale of loyalty, good versus evil, family, and community. The images and accompanying Hollywood movie makes this an excellent choice for young and old readers alike. (Krieger 8)
Dahl, R. (1982). BFG. New York: Puffin.
207 pages, ages 7 and up, English. Roald Dahl was one of my favorite authors growing up. He writes in a way that is understandable to young readers and the illustrations help illuminate the most important imagery throughout the novel. This book is about an adventurous girl named Sophie who happens upon a Big Friendly Giant. (Krieger 9)
Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York: Amistad Press.
288 pages, ages 13 and up, English. Monster is a story about a teenager named Steve Harmon who is on trial for murder after he got caught up with the wrong crowd. It is written like a journal and includes grammatical and spelling errors, as well as Steve’s inner thoughts. I read this with a group of sophomores and they enjoyed it because they could relate. I think the language and prose of the story make it a good read for young adults. Steve is a good kid who got caught in the middle of something bad, not unlike many of our students. (Krieger 10)
Gingrich, C. (2011). Sweet Land of Liberty. Washington D.C.: Regnery Publishing Inc.
28 pages, ages 4 and up, English. This is an excellent book for young English learners because it introduces pivotal moments in American history using illustrations and rhyme. It includes events like the First Thanksgiving, man walking on the moon, and pioneers moving west. The story celebrates American history and all of its uniqueness and diversity. (Krieger 11)
Napier, M. (2002). Z is for Zamboni. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages, ages 2 and up, English. This is an alphabet book that can help young sports fans learn letters in a fun way. While it may seem erroneous to some readers, hockey is a popular sport throughout Europe and North America. If our young reader is learning English and came from those countries, they will have a wonderful time getting to know the English alphabet through images and words they recognize. (Krieger 12)
Sachar, L. (1998). Holes. New York: Random House Inc.
240 pages, ages 9-12, English. This is another book that was made into a movie, which can help young readers visualize and picture the book more. Holes is about a young boy who gets sent to a juvenile detention center, where he is forced to dig holes in the hot desert all day. Eventually, the main character realizes that something fishy is going on, and he works with his friends to uncover it. (Krieger 13)
Klassen, J. (2011). I Want My Hat Back. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
40 pages, ages 4 and up, English. This is an excellent book for young emerging readers. In the story, a bear loses his hat and ventures off to find it, asking various woodland creatures along the way whether they’ve seen his hat. The dialogue is simple and the images are descriptive so that young readers will love following along on the bear’s journey. (Krieger 14)
Pfister, M. (1995). The Rainbow Fish. Zurich, Switzerland: North-South Books Inc.
32 pages, ages 3 and up, English. This was one of my favorite bedtime stories growing up. A brightly colored, shiny fish learns that he is more than just his shiny scales. The images will draw readers in, the words are simple, and the story is easy to follow. (Krieger 15)
Boelts, M. (2009). Those shoes. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Age level: 5-8; Reading level: beginner; English. Blue Ribbon Award. Who hasn’t come across something that they totally, absolutely had to have? In this case, the “something” happens to be a pair of Chuck Taylor style hi-cut sneakers, which is the newest fad at school and Jeremy desperately wants a pair. He just can't afford them. Some lucky children might not quite understand the concept where a pair of shoes can’t be afforded, but others will identify with Jeremy. This is a first-rate book that illustrates the importance of empathy and sharing and the importance of being thankful for what you have. (Sharon D.)
Bunting, E. (1997). A day's work. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, acts as liaison to help his grandfather find work as a gardener, even though his grandfather cannot speak English and knows nothing about gardening. Francisco lies to get his grandfather the job which leads to disaster. The story depicts the relationship between child and adult and the importance of being able to "start over". (DiCharia S.)
Bunting, E. (1993). Fly away home. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
Age level: 10+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about a homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal trying to blend in. He is given hope when a trapped bird finally finds its freedom. This story could be disturbing to very young children but is recommended for older children to discuss homelessness. (DiCharia S.)
Bunting, E. (2006). One green apple. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about a Muslim girl in a new country, feeling set apart and alone. With the assistance of one green apple amongst a preponderance of red apples, the class realizes that the uniqueness of an individual can contribute to the good of all. (DiCharia S.)
Dorros, A. (1997). Abuella. New York, NY: Puffin.
Age level: 3+; Reading level: beginner; English and some Spanish phrases. Abuella is a Spanish/English picture book that uses mixed media in its illustrations to portray the adventures of a grandmother and her granddaughter, Rosalba. The adventures begin when Rosalba wonders aloud, "What if I could fly?". The book is beautifully illustrated and integrated with Spanish words and phrases with a Spanish/English Dictionary included. (DiCharia S.)
Fox, M. (2006). Whoever you are. New York, NY: Sandpiper.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. With these words, "Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world.'' Whoever You Are urges us to not only accept our differences and similarities but to embrace both. (DiCharia S.)
Levine, E. (1995). I hate English! New York, NY: Scholastic Paperbacks.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. "Such a lonely language. Each letter stands alone and makes its own noise. Not like Chinese." The story is about Mei Mei, an immigrant from Hong Kong, who is faced with having to adjust to the new language and culture at a school in New York City. This book offers great insight into the difficulties of learning a new language. (DiCharia S.)
Munson, D. (2000). Enemy pie. Chronicle Books.
Age Level: 5-8; Reading level: beginner; English. A young boy's summer is going great until Jeremy, enemy number 1, moves in. The young boy's father knows exactly how to deal with enemies, "enemy pie". While dad is busy making the "enemy pie", his son must spend the day being nice to the enemy. This isstory has an effective message about dealing with conflict. (DiCharia S.)
Pak, S. (2001). Dear Juno. New York, NY: Puffin.
Age Level: 3+; Reading level: beginner; English. In the age of e-mails and texts, this story portrays the unique communication between a Korean-American boy living in the U.S. and his grandmother, who lives in Korea and how they communicate through letters that bypass their language barrier. (DiCharia S.)
Park, L. (2005). Bee-bim bop! New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. Bee-bim bop is a traditional Korean dish of rice topped, and then mixed, with meat and vegetables. The illustraction and rhyming text will appeal to children as it portrays the culinary culture of Korea. (DiCharia S.)
Soto, G. (1996). Too many tamales. New York, NY: Puffin.
Age level: 4+; Reading level: beginner; English. Maria felt very grown-up on Christmas Eve as she helped prepare tamales for Christmas dinner. She only meant to wear her mother's diamond ring for a minute, when suddenly, she noticed it was gone and might possibly be contained in one of the 24 tamales they had made. The illustrations are warm and realistic and portrays the mischievousness of a child along with the virtues of forgiveness. (DiCharia S.)
Yangsook, C. (2003). The name jar. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. The story is about Unhei, who has just come with her family from Korea and is starting a new school. After being teased on the school bus, Unhei decides to choose an American name, and her classmates oblige her by filling a glass jar with their suggestions. The illustrations of the story are realistic and appealing as it describes how it might feel to immigrate. (DiCharia S.)
Williams, K. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
Age level: 6+; Reading level: beginner; English. Four Feet, Two Sandals is based on co-author Khadra Mohammed's experiences with refugees in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Ten-year-old Lina and her young friend each discover one wondrous sandal. Together they must solve the problem of how to share one pair of sandals between the both of them. The sandals not only become a symbol of friendship and sacrifice but the warm colors and bold brush strokes send a message of courage and hope. (DiCharia S.)
Woodson, J. (2001). The other side. New York, NY: Putnam Juvenile.
Age level: 5+; Reading level: beginner; English. This story is about two youngsters, one black and one white, that face the separation of their races by means of a fence. The story is about how they overcome the dividing line that separated blacks and whites prior to the Civil Rights Movement. (DiCharia S.)
Wyeth, S. (2002). Something beautiful. New York, NY: Dragonfly Books.
Age level: 7+; Reading level: beginner; English. Something beautiful is a young African-American girl's journey to discover something "beautiful" in her inner-city neighborhood. The illustrations are breathtakingly realistic and luminous and this engaging book would be a great springboard for a discussion about what "beautiful" means to children in any neighborhood. (DiCharia S.)
Mora, P. (2009). Gracias / Thanks. Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 4-7. ALOS: 3.1. Bilingual English and Spanish. This wonderful story lifts up how being thankful about everything in your life can make you happier. The young Mexican-American boy tells us how thankful he is for everyday things in his life: his uncle playing guitar music, a friend who shares a book, bees that don't sting him, the sun that wakes him up. The words in this story flow poetically and the illustrations are superb. Pura Belpre Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 1)
Brown, M. (2004). My name is Celia: The life of Celia Cruz / Me llamo Celia: la vida de Celia Cruz. Cooper Square Publishing Llc.
Age level: 5-8. ALOS: 4.4. Bilingual English and Spanish. This story tells the life of Celia Cruz from her childhood in Cuba as she becomes a famous singer and her move to New York City and Miami, where she helped invent salsa music. Vivid illustrations along with the story will make the reader feel like dancing! Americas Award for Children's Literature & Pura Belpre Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 2)
Tolkien, J.R.R. (2001). The fellowship of the ring (the lord of the rings, volume 1). Random House.
Age level: Grade 9 - Grade 12. ALOS: 8.1. Braille Version. A wonderful fantasy adventure that takes place in a different world: Middle-earth. The hobbit Frodo has a ring, a special ring that is being sought after by Ringwaiths. This story is a masterpiece that will draw readers in, and they will have to read the next two books in Tolkien's trilogy. (Heather Kribs 3)
Martin, B. Jr. (2009). Chicka chicka boom boom. Beach Lane Books.
Age Level: 3-5. ALOS: 1.9. Braille Version. An alphabet rhyme where the letters race up the coconut tree. But will they all fit? Children love to read along and get very involved (chicka chicka BOOM BOOM). The lowercase letters fall down, but thankfully their upper-case parents are there to help them up and dust them off. (Heather Kribs 4)
Aston, D.H. (2008) The moon over star. Dial.
Age level: 5-7. ALOS 4.3. English language. When nine-year-old Mae watches the first men walk on the moon in 1969, she believes that she can do anything. She tells her grandma she may one day walk on the moon, too. This is a great story to invoke the feeling of an African-American family in 1960's America. Coretta Scott King Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 5)
Martin, B. Jr. (2009). Chicka chicka boom boom. Beach Lane Books.
Age Level: 3-5. ALOS: 1.9. English language. An alphabet rhyme where the letters race up the coconut tree. But will they all fit? Children love to read along and get very involved (chicka chicka BOOM BOOM). The lowercase letters fall down, but thankfully their upper-case parents are there to help them up and dust them off. (Heather Kribs 6)
Knutson, B. (2004). Love and roast chicken: a trickster tale from the Andes mountains. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.
Age Level; 5-8. ALOS: 2.9. English language. High in the Andes mountains, Cuy the guinea pig is about to eat when Tio Antonio the fox comes and tries to eat him. This book has with Cuy outsmarting Tio Antonio in different ways, showing that clever thinking is important. This book has vibrant artwork and an authentic South American voice. An ALA Notable Children's Book and a Junior Library Guild Selection. (Heather Kribs 7)
Selznik, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret. Scholastic Press.
Age Level: 9-12. ALOS: English language. This masterpiece is unlike most books children have come across for their age level. The story is told mostly through beautiful pencil and pen illustrations, movie stills and photographs, with few words between them. Set in 1930's Paris, the orphan Hugo lives within the walls of a Paris train station, keeping the clocks set. This book is a mystery and children will become engrossed in it. This is perfect for reluctant or ELL readers, because the illustrations will draw them in, but the text has to be read to understand the full story. 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner, ALA Notable Children's Book, ALA Best Book for Young Adults. (Heather Kribs 8)
Suess, Dr. (2009). Cat in the hat / Le chat au chapeau. Random House Books.
Age Level: PreK. ALOS: 1.2. Bilingual: French and English. Students will love reading the silly antics of the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and 2 over and over again. The rhymes are easy and children enjoy to read this aloud themselves, as well as having it read to them. A brother and sister are stuck inside on a rainy day, when the Cat in the Hat comes knocking on their door. His ideas of fun are different then they are used to, and their fish is sure that mother would not approve, but the shenanigans abound. This is a great beginner book. (Heather Kribs 9)
Sachar, L. (2000). Holes. New York: Yearling.
Age level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 5.2. English language. This is a very interesting book about Stanley, a boy who has been falsely accused of stealing and ends up at a juvenile detention facility in the middle of nowhere. He blames his bad luck on a thieving relative way back in his family tree. The plot quickly thickens and Stanley makes friends and overcomes adversity. This is an interesting read for middle school students, who will love the twists and turns. Newberry Medal Award book. (Heather Kribs 10)
Gifford, C. (1994). The Usborne book of racing cars. E.D.C. Publishing.
Age level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 4.9. English language. This book is great for anyone who is excited to learn more about cars. It has facts, drawings and diagrams about different types of cars and lots of racing info. (Heather Kribs 11)
Osborne, M.B. (2003). Dinosaurios al atardecer: casa del arbol. (Translation: Dinosaurs before dark: A magic tree house book). Lectorum Publishing.
Age Level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 2.5. Spanish language. This first story in a series of a tree house that time travels will keep children's interest. This fantasy book has brother and sister Jack and Annie lost in the time of dinosaurs, trying to find a way home. (Heather Kribs 12)
Osborne, M.B., and Osborne, W. (2000). Dinosaurs: A nonfiction companion to "dinosaurs before dark": a magic tree house research guide. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Age level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 3.5. English language. This is a nonfiction guide all about dinorsaurs. It is a good companion to the fiction story Dinosaurs before dark. Siblings Jack and Annie describe dinosaurs, talk about mistaken beliefs people have about them, and discuss what kind of research goes into writing a fiction story about dinosaurs. (Heather Kribs 13)
Kinney, J. (2008). Diario de Greg, un renacuajo. (Translation: Diary of a wimpy kid). Lectorum Publications.
Age Level: Grades 3-5. ALOS: 5.3. Spanish language. Greg is a 6th grade boy whose mom forces him to keep a diary. This book is his diary of his school year, where he talks about what happens to him every day, including how he is trying to become more popular at school, despite obstacles. This book is part graphic novel, part book. Readers will quickly become entranced in Greg's life, and want to read more and more. (Heather Kribs 14)
Avi. (1990). The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Avon Books.
Age Level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 6.9. English language. One of my favorite books as a middle schooler, I still come back to this story time and time again. 13 year old Charlotte is taking a vogage across the Atlantic in 1832. She starts off the voyage as a mere passenger, but through twists and turns ends up as part of the crew, before being convicted of murder. I loved Charlotte, loved her independence and strong willed nature, and how she finds her true self on the voyage. A Newberry Honor Book. (Heather Kribs 15)
Collins, S. (2010). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Print.
Age level: Grades 6-8. ALOS: 5.3. English language. The first book in the popular fantasy trilogy. In a future time, North America is in ruins, there are 12 districts and one Capitol where people live in communities, ruled by the Capitol. The Capitol forces two tributes from each territories every year for a fight to the death in the Games, which is televised for all inhabitants to watch. The main character is Katniss, who volunteers to take her sister's place in the Games. This story is intriguing and readers can't wait to find out who will win the Games. (Heather Kribs 16)
Professional Development
Dorros, Aurthur. (1991). Abuela. New York:Puffin Books.
Ages 4 and up.
This story shows the bond between grandmother and her granddaughter. The illustrations and text show how young hearted the grandmother is exploring New York with her granddaughter. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Herrara, Juan Felipe. (2003). Super Cilantro Girl. Berkeley, California: Publishers Group West.
Ages 4-8.
This wonderful story explains the life of Mexican coming to the U.S for a better life. It was written in a child friendly way to help us realize what the immigrants actually go through while becoming a citizen in our country. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Mora, Pat. (2004). Love to Mama. New York: Lee and Low Books, Bilingual Edition.
Grades 1 through 4.
This book consists of thirteen poems written for mothers. There are also illustrations to go along with the poems. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shihab Nye, Naomi. (1998). The Tree is Older Than You Are. North Richland, Texas: Aladdin.
Ages 7 and up.
A gathering of stories and poems written in Spanish and translated in English. Different authors and illustrators come together to create this unique book. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Lomoas Garza, Carmen. (2000). In My Family/ En Mi Familia. New York:Children's Book Press.
Ages 6 and up.
This story is as if someone was looking at a family album. The author explains her pictures and includes cultural detail. The story is about her and her family. The book consists of both English and Spanish. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Cottrell Boyce, Frank. (2011). The Unforgotten Coat. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick.
Ages 8 and up
The author writes about her experience in sixth grade. She helps two new Mongolian students by guiding them through their new school year. The story is about friendship, loss and learning about new cultures. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Gonzales, Diane. (2004). My Pal, Victor: McHenry, Illinois: Raven Tree Press, Csi; Bilingual Edition
Ages 4 and up.
This book tells the story of two young Latino boys who deal with the understanding of Victors disability. This books is good for bilingual, multicultural and/or disabled students as well as for others to understand their situation. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Brennan, Kevin. (2002). Jimmy Jammers. McHenry, Illinois: Raven Tree Press, Csi; Bilingual Edition.
Reading level 3
This book is bilingual. Tommy has outgrown his pajamas and goes through and adventurous search to find a new set of pajamas as wonderful as his old ones. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Chapra, Mimi. (2004). Amelia's Show and Tell Fiesta. New York :Katherine Tegen books.
Ages 3 and up.
This bilingual story is about Amelia's worry about bringing a precious thing from her island home for show and tell. Because she is a new comer to the country she fears her culture will not be looked at as her or her family look at it. Students can understand and connect with the Amelia character. (Naheel Shehadeh)
McPhail, David. (2003). Big Pig and Little Pig. Mooloolaba: Sandpiper.
Ages 4 and up.
Two friends, little pig and big pig always have fun together. Whatever the big pig does the little pig does as well. They also show opposites. For instance, when they swim in the pool, little pig gets a huge pool and big pig gets a tiny pool. This book is great for laughs when reading and looking at the illustrations. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Mora, Pat. (2000). Uno, Dos, Tres: One, Two, Three. Mooloolaba: Sandpiper.
Preschool and kindergarten.
This adventurous story is about two sisters going shopping for their mothers birthday. Through their mission they encounter different numbers in Spanish and in English. This will be a helpful transition in learning numbers in English or Spanish. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Middleton Elya, Susan. (2002). Eight Animals on the Town. New York: Puffin.
Ages 4 and up.
This book is a good introduction to counting, math, animals, and food. It is about eight animals going shopping for their supper. Everyone has different tastes which means all eight of them go somewhere else to grab a nice meal. (Naheel Shehadeh)
San Souci, Robert. (2000). Little Gold Star.New York: Harper Collins.
Grades 1 -5
A Spanish version of Cinderella with a twist. Virgin Mary is the fairy god mother that helps Teresa. She becomes blessed with a gold star. This is a great traditional twist to the original Cinderella. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shah, Idries. Mary Santiago, Rose. (2006). The Man With Bad Manners. Afghanistan: Hoopoe Books.
Ages 4 and up.
This story is about a man who misbehaves and has bad manners. A young boy tries to help this man become better with the help of all the villagers he succeeds. This is a great book to help teacher manners. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Shah, Idries. (2000). Silly Chicken. Afghanistan: Hoopoe Books.
Ages 5 - 8
The story is about a chicken who is trained by its owner to speak like humans. But at the same time this book teaches children the dangers of being to gullible. The chicken decides to tell humans that the world is going to end and they start to become gullible. (Naheel Shehadeh)
Benjamin, A. (1996). Young rosa parks: Civil rights heroine. Mahwah, NJ: Troll Communications LLC
Ages: 4 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten and up. English. 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8167-3775-8
This text provides an excellent, age appropriate depiction of the life of Rosa Parks. This text consists of colorful illustrations and simple language for young learners practice reading while acquiring factual information. This is a good text to utilize when discussing civil rights with young learners. (Kezia S. #1)
Cronin, D. (2000). Click, clack, moo: Cows that type. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten and up. Lexile: AD160L. English. 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6898-3213-0
This high interest text is engaging and visually appealing to young learners. This text highlights cows on a farm that begin to type letters to their caregiver to get their demands met. This text assists with letter writing skills, specifically persuasive writing skills. I recommend this text as an introduction to letter writing. (Kezia S. #2)
Easterling, L. (2007). Families. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4034-9402-3
This high interest text is relative and visually appealing to young learners via captivating photographs and age appropriate language. This text informs young learners about the importance of family, and discusses the differences and similarities of families around the world. I would highly recommend this text during a theme or unit on family. (Kezia S. #3)
Galdone, P. (2006). The little red hen. Boston, MA: Clarion Books
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 34 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6188-3684-0
This classic text provides an opportunity for educators to impress upon young learners the importance of working together. This text encourages good citizenship and cooperation. (Kezia S. #4)
Huggins, M. (2012). We all come from different cultures. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 550L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7577-2
This text provides engaging photographs and age appropriate language for young learners to explore the different cultures that exist. (Kezia S. #5)
Mayer, C. (2008). Being responsible. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4034-9489-4
This text has nice illustrations and age appropriate language for young learners to explore what constitutes responsible behavior. I would recommend this text when teaching responsibility to young learners. (Kezia S. #6)
Piper, W. (2005). The little engine that could. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Ages: 2 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten-3rd grade. English, 48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-3992-4467-4
This engaging text, provides an age appropriate lesson on the importance of never giving up, demonstrated by the determination shown by the little engine that was determined to get over the mountain. In this classic text with modern colorful images young learners are shown a very important lesson. I recommend this text as a beginning of the year read aloud, that you can reference throughout the year when your students come to challenging situations or work. This will allow you to remind them to persevere like the little engine did in the text to achieve their goals by always believing that they can achieve them. (Kezia S. #7)
Price, H. L. (1999). These Hands. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7868-0370-5
This text contains simple age appropriate language and thought provoking illustrations which explore the power that our hands possess. This text is an excellent tool for educating young learners about the many tasks that we can achieve with our hands. This text can also be utilized to review the concept of and identify rhyming words. (Kezia S. #8)
Reid, M. (1995). How Have I Grown. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. English, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-5902-9298-6
This text consists of good illustrations and simple age appropriate language. This text provokes reflective thinking about the growth process. It encourages young learners to recall how they have grown over the years. This text can also be utilized to teach mathematical concepts such as height and weight. (Kezia S. #9)
Rissman, R., Biederman, Y., & Wheatley, E. (2009). We are all different. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 50L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4329-2278-8
This high interest, age appropriate text provides many photographs for young students of how all individuals are special and have differences. This read aloud serves as a vehicle for educators to facilitate discussions about differences and diversity, which fosters an environment of tolerance and respect for one another. I highly recommend this text for young learners as a tool to teach acceptance of others and the characteristics that make us all unique. (Kezia S. #10)
Rissman, R. (2009). What is a community. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 260L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4329-3259-6
This high interest, age appropriate text is a read aloud that provides many photographs for young students to reflect upon when processing the concept of what constitutes a community. I highly recommend this text for young learners as a tool to teach about global communities. (Kezia S. #11)
Schuh, M. (2006). Healthy snacks. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 2nd grade. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5369-9
This text provides photographs in an age appropriate manner illustrating healthier snacks for young children to consume. This is an excellent introduction to healthier eating for young learners. (Kezia S. #12)
Schuh, M. (2006). The Meat and Beans Group. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Pre-kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 480L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5372-9
This text consists of colorful photographs and age appropriate material for young learners as they become more informed about the meat and bean food group. (Kezia S.#13)
Schuh, M. (2006). The Vegetable Group. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 380L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5374-3
This text has colorful photographs and age appropriate language for young learners as they are educated about the vegetable food group. (Kezia S. #14)
Schuette, S. (2007). Let’s look at spring. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Ages: 3 and up. Reading Level: Kindergarten- 1st grade. Lexile: 380L. English. 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7368-6707-8
This selection provides wonderful and engaging color photographs of different spring related concepts and simple text for young learners. I would recommend this text when discussing the topic of spring or a spring theme. (Kezia S. #15)
Teacher Resource Book Recommendation:
Morrow, L.M., Gambrell, L.B., & Pressley, M. (2007). Best practices in literacy instruction (3rd Ed.) New York: The Guilford Press.
ISBN: 978-1-5938-5392-1
This teacher resource book is full of resources to assist educators with literacy strategies for all students
including English Language Learners. This text in my opinion is broken down easily so that educators
can quickly find the sections that they need. I also find this text helpful because it addresses many of the
key elements of literacy instruction that are relevant to educators today in order to foster literacy success
for all learners. (Kezia S.)
Sper, E. (2001). Hanukkah: a counting book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level: Pre-K
This book is great for beginner readers. Children learn how to count from 1-8 in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew as well as learning about Hanukkah.
-Dragana
Ryan, P. M., Astrella, M., & Canetti, Y. (2003). Hello ocean = Hola mar. Watertown, Mass.: Charlesbridge.
Grade level: 1-2
This book uses the 5 senses to learn about the ocean. The rhyming in the book makes it interested and fun to read. This book is bilingual.
-Dragana
Cumpiano, I. (2005). Quinito's neighborhood = El Vecindario de Quinito. San Francisco, Calif: Children's Book Press.
Grade Level: 1-2
In this book you can find both Spanish and English words. Any child that reads this book will learn greatly while exploring the neighborhood with the main character.
-Dragana
Mora, P., & Ventura, G. B. (2001). The bakery lady: La senora de la panaderia. Houston, TX: Pinata Books.
Grade Level: 1-2
Once again, this book is in both Spanish and English. It is a great way to children to want to learn a new language when their primary one is included. This book discusses a special relationship between him and his grandparents.
-Dragana
Dahl, R. (1964). Charlie and the chocolate factory. New York: Knopf.
Grade Level: 3-5
This book is a classic. I grew up with it, as I am sure most other have as well. From this book children can learn about having dreams and that no matter what things will always work out.
White, E. B. (1952). Charlotte's web. New York: Harper.
Grade Level: 3-5
Yet another classic on the list. This book teachers children how to find pleasures in the smallest of things and friends can come from all different places.
-Dragana
Nelson, K. (2011). Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray.
Grade Level: 4+
I believe it is important to learn about others culture and understand where people come from. In this book we learn about the struggles African Americans have experienced in the United States and the ways they have overcome them; great book about history.
-Dragana
Yolen, J. (1988). The devil's arithmetic. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking Kestrel.
Grade Level: 6+
The holocaust was one of the worst things to happen during WWII, in this story a modern day Jewish teenager from New York gets transported back in time and experiences the hardships her family had endured. There is also a movie to supplement this story.
-Dragana
Jaffe, N. (1995). Older brother, younger brother: a Korean folktale. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking.
Grade Level: 1-3
This tale of two brothers is great. When the father dies the older brother inherits all of the things. He then banishes his younger brother, his wife, and children. When he younger brother shows kindness to those around him he then is rewarded with great wealth. A wonderful story of overcoming hardships if you stay true to yourself.
-Dragana
Cisneros, S. (1994). Hairs = Pelitos. New York: Dragonfly Books.
Grade level: K-3
In this book you can find how a girl views her family and the way she describes each one. She discusses this by the different types of hair her family has. They might all be family but each one is unique in their own way.
-Dragana
Baillie, A. (1994). Little brother. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Puffin Books.
Grade Level: 7+
When two-brother escape capture in Asia, they must find their way through the jungle in hopes of not being captures again. Great story about survival and dedication.
-Dragana
Morey, W. (1989). Scrub dog of Alaska. Hillsboro, Or. Blue Heron Pub.
Grade Level: 5+
This book is about a dog that is not liked by anyone in the town, until a boy name David comes along. David being of Native American background knows how to protect him and cherish him. This is a tale of trust between a dog and his owner.
-Dragana
Levitin, S. (19941993). The golem and the dragon girl. New York: Fawcett Juniper.
Grade level: 6+
Asian culture has their beliefs of greatness and that spirits of loved ones that have passed stay with us in one way or another. When a young boy is forced to move to a new home, he is not happy. When a new family moves into the home they believe it is haunted.
-Dragana
Wing, N. (1996). Jalapeño bagels. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Grade Level: K-2
When a boy has to bring something to school that represents who he is, he has to figure out a way to incorporate his Mexican and Jewish heritage. Good thing his family owns a bakery, which helps him find just the right now. Can you guess what it is?
-Dragana
Fox, M. (2006). Whoever you are. Orlando: Voyager Books.
Grade Level: K-2
This is a great story to read to children about other around the world. The massage is simple, “no matter who we are or where we are from we are all the same” We might come from different places but we cry about the same things, we enjoy same things, we love the same things.
-Dragana
Dant, T. (2010). Some kind of love: A family reunion in poems. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Childrens Books.
Age level: Grades 1-5. This is a great set of poems for children to read that stress the importance of love and family. I’ve noticed that poetry is slowly slipping out of classrooms so this is a great source to use. These poems focus on the smaller more important things in life such as family rather than materialistic items. Stephanie Signore
Eve, B. (1996). Going home. Perfection Learning.
Age level: 4 and up. This book focuses on sacrifice. This story is about a family who sacrifices moving from their homeland of Mexico to provide a better life for their children. Any child that has ever left their country will be able to relate to this because the characters go through similar situations that many children have gone through, such as leaving people you care about and leaving everything that you know. This is a great story that adults as well as children should read. Stephanie Signore
Gonzalez, L. (2008). The storyteller's candle. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press.
Age level: 6 and up. This is a wonderful book full of pictures that expresses the emotions that children can go through when celebrating with friends and families but not being in the place that they feel most comfortable (their original homes/countries). They are introduced to a library that serves as a place where they can go to hear stories in their native language as well as the English language. This book can help students to see the value of books and how coming together and talking together (in this case at the library) can be a positive thing in the lives of children. Stephanie Signore
Gzimes, N. (2009). Rich: A dyamonde daniel book. Putnam Juvenile.
Age level: 7 and up. This is a great book for students to read that deal with situations such as economics and just being in a different community as a whole than they are used to being in. They take situations that could be viewed as negative and find a positive twist to them, for example winning a poetry contest for writing a poem about a child living in a shelter. This story takes the idea of people being into materialistic things and instead finding joy in the many things that money can’t pay for such as friendships. Stephanie Signore
Johnson, J.C. (2010). Seeds of change: Wangari's gift to the world. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 7 and up. This book is a great focus on leadership and focusing on the environment. The pictures give a great feeling for nature. This would be a wonderful story to focus on the idea of what a “hero” is and how the character throughout this story depicts a true hero. The students can explore the characteristics that the woman portrays that make her a hero by looking at the importance of the movement she had in Africa. Stephanie Signore
Lewis, T. (1971). Hill of fire. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Age level: 6 and up. This is a true story which the children would really enjoy and it would be a great story to use in an ESL classroom. This story can teach children about the value of responsibility. A young boy helps his father out in the fields and recreates a great place after it was destroyed by a volcano. They did such a good job that tourists were attracted to it. Children can learn the value of responsibility by reading about characters they can relate to who show characteristics of being responsible. They can also practice the same characteristics in their own lives. Stephanie Signore
Moss, P. (2010). One of us. Gardener, ME: Tilbury House Publishers.
Age level: 5 and up. Children are going through struggles everyday of their lives and it’s not all the time that they are noticed. This story includes all different types of issues that kids face on a daily basis including bullying and friendships. This is a great book to use to show children how important it is to get to know people and be accepting of everyone around them. Stephanie Signore
Myers, C. (2000). Wings. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Age level: 4 and up. This would be a great book for children to read who have moved from one place to another and don’t feel like they fit in right away. It is also a perfect book for children to show that it’s okay to be different and not everyone is the same. This book stresses that each individual is special in there own way. Stephanie Signore
Nikola-Lisa, W. (1997). Bein' with you this way. Pine Plains, NY: Lee & Low Books.
Age level: 4 and up. This is an easy read for students and has great illustrations that are very eye appealing to the reader. It seems to be very common for children to shy away from each other if they look different from each other but this book focuses on the positive aspect of that. This is a great book to use in the classroom because it brings up positives to diversity, which in my opinion students should be exposed to at an early age. Stephanie Signore
Nivola, C. A. (2008). Planting the trees of kenya: The story of wangari maathai. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Age level: 5 and up. This is a great story that can show how quickly change can happen in a culture. After going back to her homeland (Kenya) she finds that all of the positives things that she used to know of the environment are gone and people are going hungry. Instead of going back to America she worked to help people take charge of the environment and learn to plant food so that people would be able to eat. This can be a very inspiring story for children to read because they should be trying to take charge in their communities to make it the best place that it can be. Stephanie Signore
Resau, Laura. (2006). What the moon saw. New York, NY: Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
Age level: 10 and up. This would be a wonderful book for children of this time to read. This story first takes place in a suburban town where this child has access to her television and her computer (very common to what children have today). She then goes to Mexico where she starts to see what is really important in her life and what she should really see value in. This book may also make children more interested in their culture and where there ancestors came from and this is something that seems important and something that children should know about because family is important. Stephanie Signore
Tyler, M. (2005). The skin you live in. Chicago, IL: Chicago Children’s Museum.
Age level: 4 and up. This is a picture book that centers in on skin color. This book deals on something that seems to be a very large issue in our world today, and that issue is social acceptance. When children can see relate to the issues going on in the book they have a better chance at being interested in them and that is exactly what this book provides. The pictures are also a great way to get the attention of children with the many colors that they use. Stephanie Signore
Parr, T. (2001). It’s okay to be different. New York, NY: Little Brown and Company.
Age level: 4 and up. Children are constantly trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be and by doing this they are sometimes comparing themselves to others. This book offers the many differences that children may see in themselves and others and how we should look at those as being our own special traits rather than thinking in a bad way that it’s what makes us different from each other. There are great messages to gather throughout this book and the pictures will grab the attention of the children too. It is a great book to help children see how unique and special they really are and that being different from one another is a good thing. Stephanie Signore
Smith, D. (2002). If there world were a village: A book about the world’s people. Toronto, Canada: Kids Can Press.
Age level: 8 and up. This is a great book to help students look outside their culture. It will help them to see all of the different people in the world that they may not even know about so that they can get a sense of things outside of their own communities. This will also help students to see what certain countries have and do not have so that they can understand the world better. Hopefully when they grow up many of the issues that they hear about will not be a surprise to them because they have been exposed to it at a younger age. They may also be able to make connections to people they know and that way they can understand each other better and be more helpful rather than harmful to each other. I think this book will definitely help the children to appreciate what they have. Stephanie Signore
Truong, T. (2003). Going home, coming home. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press.
Age level: 6 and up. This story would benefit many children who have moved to an unfamiliar place. The daughter in this story is forced to adapt to her changing environment by making new friends and learning different ways to do things. This character is not familiar with her original “home” and is finding it hard to grasp the concepts that make a “home” that she doesn’t even remember. Many children are taken away from their original homes and may not always remember so they are forced to adapt to new ways around them in order to survive and be happy. Students in this situation can relate to this book and find great ideas of having a better transition. Stephanie Signore